There is something in the unselfish and self-sacrificing love of a brute, which goes directly to the heart of him who has had frequent occasion to test the paltry friendship and gossamer fidelity of mere Man.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the profound and sincere nature of animal love compared to the often superficial loyalty of humans.
In this quote, Edgar Allan Poe emphasizes that the unconditional and selfless love exhibited by animals can resonate deeply with people, particularly those who feel betrayed or disappointed by human relationships. This reflection suggests that the loyalty and fidelity found in non-human creatures can often overshadow the fickleness of human friendships, provoking a sense of longing and appreciation for the pure love that exists outside of human interactions.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion about the bond between pets and their owners.
But evil things, in robes of sorrow, Assailed the monarch's high estate; (Ah, let us mourn, for never morrow Shall dawn upon him desolate!) And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed, Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
Most writers - poets in especial - prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy - an ecstatic intuition - and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.
...the agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair.
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best have gone to their eternal rest.
I could have clasped the red walls to my bosom as a garment of eternal peace. "Death," I said, "any death but that of the pit!" Fool! might I have not known that into the pit it was the object of the burning iron to urge me?
In our endeavors to recall to memory something long forgotten, we often find ourselves upon the very verge of remembrance, without being able, in the end, to remember.
Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.
Hall of Love has ten thousand swords. Don't be afraid to use one.
Be the green grass above me, with showers and dewdrops wet; and if thou wilt, remember, and if thou wilt, forget.
You don't have to prove to me you're beautiful to strangers, I've got loving eyes of my own.
Suffering can become a means to greater love and greater generosity.
Love adds a precious seeing to the eye.
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