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Air Quote by Mark Akenside

“Hence when lightning fires the arch of heaven, and thunders rock the ground, when furious whirlwinds rend the howling air, and ocean, groaning from his lowest bed, heaves his tempestuous billows to the sky; amid the mighty uproar, while below the nations tremble, Shakespeare looks abroad from some…” quote by Mark Akenside
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“Hence when lightning fires the arch of heaven, and thunders rock the ground, when furious whirlwinds rend the howling air, and ocean, groaning from his lowest bed, heaves his tempestuous billows to the sky; amid the mighty uproar, while below the nations tremble, Shakespeare looks abroad from some high cliff, superior, and enjoys the elemental war.”

Mark Akenside

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Pleasures of the Imagination, 1743

Shakespeare observes the elemental chaos from a lofty view, enjoying the drama of nature.

In simple terms: Shakespeare enjoys nature’s chaos.

Key Takeaway

Find awe in natural forces.

Themes

nature chaos observation

Mood

dramatic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • storm watching
  • poetry
  • philosophical contemplation

Key Concepts

aesthetic appreciation philosophical reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does chaos teach us?
  • How to balance awe and safety?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing chaos can ignore its danger.

2.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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