Toilers of the Sea

Historical Context and Significance

"Toilers of the Sea" by Victor Hugo is a novel published in 1866 and is one of the significant works of 19th-century French literature. The book depicts the lives of ordinary people, their struggle with natural elements and social hardships. Hugo masterfully conveys the atmosphere and life of the fishing island of Guernsey, where he himself lived in exile. The novel raises themes of human resilience, courage, and the fight for survival, making it relevant even today. The book's influence on culture is evident in its deep humanism and attention to the "common man," which became an important element in the literature of that time. "Toilers of the Sea" also inspired many artists and writers, with its images and motifs reflected in various works of art.