What is the narrative context of 'dreamed a dream' in 'Les Miserable'?

In the context of the musical, "I Dreamed a Dream" is the song that Fantine sings after she is fired from her job at the factory. She is only fired after the other factory ladies find out that she has a child, and assume she's sleeping around to pick up the money to care for her - while refusing to let the foreman do the same. It comes before "Lovely Ladies".

In the context of the 2012 movie, "I Dreamed a Dream" is still sung by Fantine. It comes after "Lovely Ladies", meaning that, in addition to being fired, Fantine has sold her teeth, hair, and very body to provide for Cosette, her child. She is left with nothing.