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Doors Quote by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge

“We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise, And the door stood open at our feast, When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes, And a man with his back to the East.” quote by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge
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“We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise, And the door stood open at our feast, When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes, And a man with his back to the East.”

Mary Elizabeth Coleridge

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Door of the West”, 1920

A lyrical scene of youthful wisdom, open doors, and meeting a woman with western vision and a man looking east, symbolizing diverse perspectives.

In simple terms: Youthful wisdom meets contrasting worldviews.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance between differing outlooks.

Themes

wisdom journey culture duality

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literary study
  • personal growth
  • cross‑cultural dialogue

Key Concepts

poetry symbolism orientation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural directions shape identity?
  • What can we learn from youthful naiveté?
A Different Perspective

The poem’s archaic language may limit modern accessibility.

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