There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
The Civil War is not ended: I question whether any serious civil war ever does end.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Civil War remains a lasting conflict that influences society, suggesting that such wars have long-lasting effects.
T.S. Eliot's quote reflects the idea that civil wars are not merely historical events that conclude with a treaty or victory; instead, they leave deep divides and unresolved issues within a society. The statement posits that the ramifications of a civil war persist long after the fighting has stopped, indicating that the underlying conflicts may continue to affect future generations, unresolved grievances, and social dynamics.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the impact of historical wars on modern society, this quote could highlight how past conflicts shape current issues.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
For I have known them all already, known them allβ Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
Similar quotes
When historians consider the significance of the Berlin crises of the mid-20th century, I do not believe that they will record it as an incident in the encirclement of freedom. The true view, in my judgment, will be to see it rather as a major episode in the recession of communism.
It's a touchy subject, but as a Southerner, you can't ignore our history any more than a Renaissance painter can ignore the Virgin Mary. And it's impossible to drive down a road or eat a vegetable or pass a church without being reminded of slavery.
I think that often in the United States we're very blind to the ways that history lives in the present.
Let Indian history be set side by side with Europe history with what there is of the latter century by century and let us see whether India need blush at the comparison.
An accurate knowledge of the past of a country is necessary for everyone who would understand its present, and who desires to judge of its future.
The eyes of all America are upon us, as we play our part posterity will bless or curse us.