If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
William Butler YeatsRead
I sat, a solitary man, In a crowded London shop, An open book and empty cup On the marble table-top. While on the shop and street I gazed My body of a sudden blazed; And twenty minutes more or less It seemed, so great my happiness, That I was blessed and could bless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a moment of profound happiness found in solitude amidst a bustling environment.
In this quote, Yeats captures the essence of finding joy and a sense of blessing in simple moments, such as sitting in a busy shop with an open book and an empty cup. Despite being surrounded by people, the speaker experiences an intense feeling of happiness that transcends the noise and chaos around him, illustrating how solitude can lead to inner peace and joy even in a crowd.
Themes
HappinessSolitudeJoyBlessedPeace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a reflective moment at a book club to discuss the theme of happiness in solitude.
More from William Butler Yeats
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But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
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How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
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For he would be thinking of love Till the stars had run away And the shadows eaten the moon.
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Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
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