For contemplation he and valour formed; / For softness she and sweet attractive grace, / He for God only, she for God in him: / His fair large front and eye sublime declared / Absolute rule.
Interpretation
The quote contrasts the qualities of male and female, portraying them as reflections of divine attributes.
This quote from John Milton explores the relationship between masculinity and femininity, suggesting that men embody contemplation and valor while women represent softness and grace. It implies that both genders have distinct but complementary qualities, underscoring the idea that they reflect divine characteristics: men seek God directly, while women seek God through their connection with men. The imagery of absolute rule indicates a harmony in their relationship, where both qualities contribute to a greater whole.
In practice
In a discussion about gender roles in literature, this quote can highlight the attributes associated with masculinity and femininity.
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.
You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style.
The human mind delights in finding pattern—so much so that we often mistake coincidence or forced analogy for profound meaning. No other habit of thought lies so deeply within the soul of a small creature trying to make sense of a complex world not constructed for it.
It is not surprising that most Pakistanis do not support America's bombardment of Afghanistan. The Afghans are neighbours on the brink of starvation and devastated by war. America has shown itself to be untrustworthy, a superpower that uses its values as a scabbard for its sword.
The essential idea of Stoicism in my interpretation is, you don't control the world around you, you control how you respond. At 19, that's very empowering.
The main question ... is not what motive inspired the law, but what it will be possible for men of bad motive to do with the law.
People don't want other people to get high, because if you get high, you might see the falsity of the fabric of the society we live in.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.