The word "wretched" operates as a powerful descriptor that conveys profound misery, decay, and moral or emotional desolation throughout literature. It is used not merely to indicate physical degradation—as in depictions of forlorn individuals or crumbling environments—but also to evoke a sense of existential despair. Authors employ it to intensify the dramatic weight of both societal and personal misfortunes, whether describing a world steeped in decadence ([1]) or the pitiable plight of an outcast ([2]). Its nuanced application ranges from denoting the sorrow of a sinful existence ([3]) to characterizing the ragged state of an individual overwhelmed by life’s hardships ([4]). In this way, "wretched" enriches narratives by bridging tangible decay with inner suffering, inviting readers to share in the profound empathy for its subjects.