Now conscience wakes despair That slumber'd,-wakes the bitter memory Of what he was, what is, and what must be Worse.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the awakening of one's conscience, leading to painful realizations about the past, present, and future.
In this quote, John Milton explores the theme of internal conflict caused by one's conscience. The awakening described suggests a moment of painful self-reflection, where an individual is confronted with the harsh truths of their life and existence. This realization brings forth despair, as it emphasizes the contrast between who one was, the current state, and the inevitable struggles ahead. It suggests that knowledge and awareness of one's circumstances can be both enlightening and deeply distressing.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of facing painful memories to become a better person.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Only her tight, tight eyes were left. They were always left...They were everything. Everything was there, in them...Thrown, in this way, into the binding conviction that only a miracle could relieve her, she would never know her beauty. She would see only what there was to see: the eyes of other people.
Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time.
Wearing a dress shows I can be as feminine as I want. I'm a heterosexual...big deal, but if I was a homosexual, it wouldn't matter, either.
I have my own soul. My own spark of divine fire.
Where once the student was taught that the unexamined life was not worth living, he is now taught that the profitably lived life is not worth examining.
Words are but the vague shadows of the volumes we mean. Little audible links, they are, chaining together great inaudible feelings and purposes.
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