Skip to content

Hell Quote by Arthur Rimbaud

“Poor innocents! Hell has no power overpagans. − And still this is life! Later, the delights of damnation will be all the greater. A crime, quick, so I can fall into nothingness, condemned by human laws. Shut up, will you shut up! . . . Shame and Reproach are here: Satan says the fire is…” quote by Arthur Rimbaud
Download Open image
““Poor innocents! Hell has no power overpagans. − And still this is life! Later, the delights of damnation will be all the greater. A crime, quick, so I can fall into nothingness, condemned by human laws. Shut up, will you shut up! . . . Shame and Reproach are here: Satan says the fire is contemptible, my angerridiculous. − Enough! . . . Errors are whispered on their breath, spells, sickly perfumes, insipid music. − And to think that I hold truth in my hands, that I see justice: my judgement is sound and certain, I am ready forperfection . . . Pride. − The skin of my scalp is dry. Have pity! Lord, I am afraid. I am thirsty, so thirsty! Oh! childhood, the smell of grass, the sound of rain, water from the lake lapping on pebbles, the moonlight when theclock strikes twelve . . . that’s when the devil is in thetower. Mary! Holy Virgin! . . . − The horror of my stupidity. Aren’t there any honest souls who wish me well down there? . . .””

Arthur Rimbaud

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Devil’s Tower” (imagined), 1885

The poet wrestles with existential dread, moral ambiguity, and yearning for redemption amid chaotic thoughts.

In simple terms: A tormented soul seeks meaning, confronting sin, fear, and fleeting memories.

Key Takeaway

Seek clarity and peace amid inner turmoil.

Themes

existentialism spirituality psychology

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • philosophical reflection

Key Concepts

sin redemption memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the poet fear most?
  • How can one find grounding in such turmoil?
A Different Perspective

The dense, fragmented style may obscure meaning.

3.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Arthur Rimbaud

Explore all 148 Arthur Rimbaud quotes

More Hell quotes

Browse all 8,212 Hell quotes