Belly Quote by Karl Shapiro
“The doctor punched my vein, the captain called me Cain, upon my belly sat the sow of fear.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Doctor” (1930s)
Violence and fear are personified, showing how authority and terror can dominate the body.
In simple terms: Fear and authority are depicted as violent forces.
Key Takeaway
Beware how power and fear can control you.
Themes
fear
authority
violence
poetry
Mood
dark
intense
Type
literary
poetic
When to use this quote
- military life
- medical settings
- personal anxiety
Key Concepts
metaphor
psychological terror
body imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the sow of fear” symbolize?
- How do authority and fear intersect?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors may obscure literal meaning.
