"Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?"

Victor Hugo's quote is a reflection on the nature of war and its terrible effects. He questions the idea of a civil war, asking if it is any different from a foreign war. He implies that all wars are fought between males, despite whether they are from the exact same country or not. He suggests that war is a catastrophe that pits brother against sibling, and that it is eventually a senseless and destructive act. Hugo's quote works as a suggestion of the human expense of war and the need for peace. It is a call to recognize the humanity of all people, no matter nationality, and to strive for peace and understanding.