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To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice…

“To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice. Ancient woods of my blood, dash down to the nut of the seas if I take to burn or return this world which is each man's work.” quote by Dylan Thomas
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““To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice. Ancient woods of my blood, dash down to the nut of the seas if I take to burn or return this world which is each man's work.””

Dylan Thomas

About This Quote

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

Surrendering incurs a heavy price; the speaker contemplates burning or returning to a world shaped by personal effort.

In simple terms: Giving up costs a lot; the speaker weighs destruction vs. rebuilding.

Key Takeaway

Consider the cost before surrendering.

Themes

sacrifice identity creation

Mood

melancholic inspirational

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • artistic creation
  • environmental activism
  • spiritual journey

Key Concepts

mythology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the 'ogre' symbolize?
  • How do you confront personal 'ogres'?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may be obscure.

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