Skip to content

Woe is me! The winged words on which my soul would pierce…

“Woe is me! The winged words on which my soul would pierce Into the heights of love's rare universe, Are chains of lead around its flight of fire-- I pant, I sink, I tremble, I expire.” quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Download Open image
“Woe is me! The winged words on which my soul would pierce Into the heights of love's rare universe, Are chains of lead around its flight of fire-- I pant, I sink, I tremble, I expire.”

Percy Bysshe Shelley

About This Quote

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

The poet struggles with love’s intense, painful yearning, feeling both uplifted and trapped.

In simple terms: Love feels both uplifting and painful.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s intensity while seeking balance.

Themes

love pain yearning

Mood

melancholic passionate

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • creative writing
  • emotional healing
  • spiritual quest

Key Concepts

romanticism existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does love mean to you?
  • How can you channel love’s fire constructively?
A Different Perspective

Obsessive love can become destructive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Explore all 533 Percy Bysshe Shelley quotes

More Chains quotes

Browse all 1,639 Chains quotes