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The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,The humble sheep a…

“The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:While the Lily white shall in love delight,Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.” quote by William Blake
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“The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:While the Lily white shall in love delight,Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.”

William Blake

About This Quote

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

Contrast between outward beauty and hidden dangers warns that appearances can be deceptive

In simple terms: Beauty may hide thorns and threats

Key Takeaway

Look beyond surface appearances

Themes

nature deception beauty

Mood

cautious poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • art criticism
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

symbolism dualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we discern hidden threats in attractive forms?
  • When is caution more valuable than trust?
A Different Perspective

May impose pessimism on all beauty

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