There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap And seeing that it was a soft October night Curled once about the house, and fell asleep
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote uses vivid imagery to evoke the atmosphere of a city evening, merging nature and urban life.
In this passage from T. S. Eliot's work, the descriptive language illustrates the interplay between the natural world and an industrialized environment. The 'yellow fog' and 'yellow smoke' create a sense of atmosphere that envelops the city, reflecting a moment of calmness as nature seems to take a gentle rest. Through sensory details, Eliot captures both the beauty and the melancholy of urban life, inviting readers to appreciate the serene moments amidst the noise of the city.
Themes
FogEveningCityNatureUrbanAtmosphere
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used to introduce a discussion about urban landscapes in a poetry class.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes →Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead
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