How important was Victor Hugo?

Victor Hugo is what the French like to call an "homme du siècle"-- a man of the century. He lived through nearly the entire 19th century and as well as experiencing two republics and two Napoleons at the head of France, he also deeply impacted the country. His writing is still pertinent today, where he painted a vibrant picture of all corners of society in book after book. His literature was both challenging and inspiring and very much ahead of its time both stylistically and politically.
He was also very politically engaged. A staunch defender of the republic, his engagement in both houses of parliament were often remembered as deeply philosophical and ideological.