"The three great problems of this century; the degradation of man in the proletariat, the subjection of women through hunger, the atrophy of the child by darkness"

Victor Hugo's quote talks to the three major issues of the 19th century. The first problem is the deterioration of the working class, or proletariat. This describes the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy, causing poverty and a lack of standard rights. The 2nd problem is the subjection of females through appetite. This describes the lack of access to food and resources for ladies, resulting in poor nutrition and a lack of autonomy. The 3rd issue is the atrophy of the child by darkness. This describes the lack of education and resources for children, causing a lack of opportunity and a lack of understanding. All 3 of these issues were prevalent in the 19th century, and Hugo's quote functions as a pointer of the value of resolving these problems in order to develop a much better future.