Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
I tell you, hopeless grief is passionless; That only men incredulous of despair, half-taught in anguish, through the midnight air beat upward to god's throne in loud access of shrieking and reproach
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of grief and despair, implying that true suffering is accompanied by a passionate response to the divine.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's quote explores the complex emotions tied to grief, suggesting that when individuals are overwhelmed by hopelessness, their pain becomes muted and directionless. In contrast, those who are still able to express their anguish and question their suffering are actually engaged in a passionate, albeit painful, journey towards understanding and reconnection with a higher power, indicating that despair can invigorate the spirit rather than diminish it.
Themes
GriefDespairFaithAnguishPassion
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the human experience of loss, this quote can illustrate the struggle between anguish and the search for hope.
More from Elizabeth Barrett Browning
All quotes →She has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
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First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
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Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
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Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
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