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Gentle lady, do not sing Sad songs about the end of love; Lay aside sadness and sing How love that passes is enough. Sing about the long deep sleep Of lovers that are dead, and how In the grave all love shall sleep: Love is aweary now.
James Joyce
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote encourages a focus on the beauty of love rather than its loss, suggesting that love endures even after separation.

In this quote, James Joyce conveys a poignant reflection on love and loss. He implores the listener not to dwell on sad songs that lament the end of love but to find comfort in the idea that love itself is sufficient, even as it fades. He suggests that, although love may seem burdensome in its absence, it ultimately resides peacefully in memory, transcending life and death. This duality reflects how love continues to exist in a different form, urging a shift from sadness to acceptance and celebration of love's existence.

Themes

LoveLossMemoryAcceptanceBeauty

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a memorial service to honor lost loved ones.

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Quote by James Joyce | QuoteProject