O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
And as she looked around, she saw how Death the consoler, Laying his hand upon many a heart, had healed it forever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that death can bring solace and healing to those who are grieving by marking the end of suffering.
In this quote, Longfellow portrays death not as a purely negative force, but rather as a compassionate presence that can bring comfort to the hearts of those left behind. It suggests that through the experience of loss, individuals may find a form of healing and peace, as death often signifies the conclusion of pain and turmoil. Thus, it invites us to reconsider our views on death and its role in the cycle of life.
Themes
DeathHealingComfortLossGrief
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared at a memorial service to remind attendees of the comforting nature of death.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes βThere are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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