But if I feel, may I never express?” “Never!” declared…
““But if I feel, may I never express?” “Never!” declared Reason. I groaned under her bitter sternness. Never - never - oh, hard word! This hag, this Reason, would not let me look up, or smile, or hope; she could not rest unless I were altogether crushed, cowed, broken-in, and broken down. According to her, I was born only to work for a piece of bread, to await the pains of death, and steadily through all life to despond. Reason might be right; yet no wonder we are glad at times to defy her, to rush from under her rod and give a truant hour to Imagination - her soft, bright foe, our sweet Help, our divine Hope.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason is portrayed as a harsh, oppressive force that stifles imagination and hope, while imagination offers freedom and divine hope.
In simple terms: Reason oppresses; imagination liberates.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imagination over oppressive rationality.
Themes
oppression
imagination
hope
reason
freedom
Mood
conflicted
hopeful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal struggle
- creative work
- mental health
- overcoming adversity
Key Concepts
Existentialism
psychology
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance rational duty with creative yearning?
- When does reason become a barrier to hope?
A Different Perspective
Reason can provide necessary structure, but may also limit emotional growth.