O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
There are things of which I may not speak; There are dreams that cannot die; There are thoughts that make the strong heart weak, And bring a pallor into the cheek, And a mist before the eye.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the power of unspoken thoughts and the emotional weight of dreams and internal struggles.
Longfellow’s quote delves into the complexities of human emotions and experiences that often go unexpressed. It suggests that there are profound thoughts and dreams that linger within us, shaping our lives and feelings, even if they remain unarticulated. These thoughts can evoke deep vulnerability, revealing the fragility of strength and the heavy toll that unfulfilled dreams can take on the spirit.
Themes
UnspokenDreamsEmotionThoughtsVulnerability
In practice
Example use cases
During a literary discussion about unexpressed emotions, this quote can highlight the underlying themes in a character's journey.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes →There are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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