The gay will laugh When thou art gone, the solemn brood of…
“The gay will laugh When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care Plod on, and each one as before will chase His favourite phantom; yet all these shall leave Their mirth and their employments, and shall come, And make their bed with thee.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Life’s inevitable duties persist beyond joy, and even the most carefree will eventually face responsibility.
In simple terms: Joy fades, duty remains.
Key Takeaway
Accept responsibility.
Themes
mortality
responsibility
transience
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal loss
- aging
- creative work
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
time
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do you avoid?
- How does joy mask duty?
A Different Perspective
Joy can be a coping mechanism, not escape.