Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
Lo! now the direful monster, whose skin clings_x000D_ _x000D_ To his strong bones, strides o'er the groaning rocks:_x000D_ _x000D_ He withers all in silence, and his hand_x000D_ _x000D_ Unclothes the earth, and freezes up frail life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote depicts a powerful force in nature that brings destruction and silence, symbolizing the harshness of the environment.
William Blake's quote evokes the imagery of a 'direful monster' that represents a formidable natural element, likely winter or an overwhelming force of nature. The descriptions of the monster stripping the earth of life and inflicting silence emphasize the destructive power of nature and its ability to render the world lifeless, highlighting the struggle between life and the elements.
Themes
NatureDestructionSilenceLifeWinter
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a lecture on the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
More from William Blake
All quotes →In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
William BlakeRead
O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
William BlakeRead
Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
William BlakeRead
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
William BlakeRead
He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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