Adam Quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“Tis aye a solemn thing to me To look upon a babe that sleeps-- Wearing in its spirit-deeps The unrevealed mystery Of its Adam's taint and woe, Which, when they revealed lie, Will not let it slumber so.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Sonnets from the Portuguese, 1850
The speaker feels deep reverence and sorrow when contemplating a sleeping infant, aware of hidden sin and future suffering.
In simple terms: Seeing a baby awakens thoughts of hidden pain and destiny.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the weight of unseen burdens.
Themes
reverence
humanity
sin
destiny
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- spiritual contemplation
- grief counseling
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
theology
existential reflection
maternal love
Questions to Reflect On
- How does awareness of hidden suffering affect our compassion?
- Can we find hope beyond inevitable sorrow?
A Different Perspective
The poem assumes a Christian view of original sin, which may not apply universally.
![“Adam Clayton Powell's entire political career has to be looked at in the entire context of the American history and the history of, and the position of the Afro- American or negro in American history. [He] has done a remarkable job in fighting for rights of black people in this country. On the…” quote by Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/caa/malcolm-x-213_adam_adam-clayton-powell-s-entire-political-c_6932.jpg)
