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Weary of myself, and sick of asking What I am, and what I ought to be, At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
Matthew Arnold
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the inner struggle of self-identity and existential longing.

In this passage, Matthew Arnold expresses a deep sense of inner turmoil and questioning of one's purpose and identity. He portrays himself as weary and discontent, caught in the search for meaning while navigating the vast uncertainties of life, symbolized by the 'starlit sea'. The imagery of standing at the prow of a vessel conveys the idea of moving forward despite the lack of clarity about oneself and one's direction, illustrating the complexities of human existence.

Themes

IdentityExistencePurposeSelf-DiscoveryNavigation

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about personal growth during a graduation ceremony.

More from Matthew Arnold

The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits;- on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
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Culture, the acquainting ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit.
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