Skip to content

Hell Quote by A. E. Housman

“Who made the world I cannot tell; 'Tis made, and here am I in hell. My hand, though now my knuckles bleed, I never soiled with such a deed.” quote by A. E. Housman
Download Open image
“Who made the world I cannot tell; 'Tis made, and here am I in hell. My hand, though now my knuckles bleed, I never soiled with such a deed.”

A. E. Housman

About This Quote

Source Poem: A Shropshire Lad, 1896

The speaker feels trapped by guilt and suffering, unable to explain his existence or actions.

In simple terms: Guilt and confusion dominate his thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Accept responsibility and seek redemption.

Themes

guilt existence confession

Mood

despair introspective

Type

poetic lament

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • legal trouble
  • mental anguish

Key Concepts

moral accountability self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does guilt shape your view of self?
  • Can confession bring peace?
A Different Perspective

The speaker’s perspective may be unreliable, limiting insight.

4.2 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by A. E. Housman

Explore all 81 A. E. Housman quotes

More Hell quotes

Browse all 8,212 Hell quotes