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Ah, love, let us be true To one another! for the world…

“Ah, love, let us be true To one another! for the world, which seems To lie before us like a land of dreams, So various, so beautiful, so new, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms…” quote by Matthew Arnold
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“Ah, love, let us be true To one another! for the world, which seems To lie before us like a land of dreams, So various, so beautiful, so new, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Where ignorant armies clash by night.”

Matthew Arnold

About This Quote

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

The poem reflects on humanity’s yearning for truth and beauty amid uncertainty and conflict.

In simple terms: People seek truth and beauty despite chaos.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning even in turmoil.

Themes

truth beauty uncertainty conflict humanity

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • philosophical contemplation
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

existentialism romanticism hope

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “darkling plain” symbolize?
  • How can we find beauty in struggle?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with harsh realities.

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