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In his bleak mercy, Death forever strips The soul of light…

“In his bleak mercy, Death forever strips The soul of light and memory, rendering blind Our vision, lest surmounted deeps appal, As when on mountain-heights a glance behind Betrays with knowledge, and the climber slips Down gulfs of fear to some enormous fall.” quote by Clark Ashton Smith
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“In his bleak mercy, Death forever strips The soul of light and memory, rendering blind Our vision, lest surmounted deeps appal, As when on mountain-heights a glance behind Betrays with knowledge, and the climber slips Down gulfs of fear to some enormous fall.”

Clark Ashton Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Death erases consciousness, leaving humanity in darkness and fear, like a climber losing footing after a glimpse of the abyss.

In simple terms: Death blinds and isolates the soul.

Key Takeaway

Mortality removes light and memory.

Themes

mortality fear isolation knowledge danger

Mood

somber reflective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • contemplating mortality
  • facing existential dread
  • narrative of loss
  • philosophical reflection
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

impermanence human vulnerability

Practical Applications

  • poetry
  • literary analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to lose memory in death?
  • How does the metaphor of climbing deepen the theme?
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