Beast Quote by Osbert Sitwell
“Heroic figures are now obsolete,So Demigod and Devil find retreatIn minds of children - as rare beasts and men,Elsewhere extinct, persist in hill or fenFrom man protected - where each form assumesGigantic stature and intention, loomsFrom wind-moved, twilight-woven histories:For them each flower teems with mysteries.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Untitled, Osbert Sitwell, 1930s
Sitwell laments the loss of heroic archetypes, now hidden in children's imaginations and ancient myths.
In simple terms: Heroic figures are gone, only imagined in myths.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal heroism and imagination.
Themes
mythology
heroism
nostalgia
imagination
cultural loss
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- storytelling
- personal growth
- cultural preservation
Key Concepts
symbolism
psychology
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern heroes inspire you?
- How can everyday actions become heroic?
A Different Perspective
The poem romanticizes the past and may dismiss modern forms of heroism.
![“Aphrodite,” [Annabeth] said. “Venus?” Hazel asked in amazement. “Mom,” Piper said with no enthusiasm. “Girls!” The goddess spread her arms like she wanted a group hug. The three demigods did not oblige. Hazel backed into a palmetto tree.” quote by Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/684/rick-riordan-27_amazement_aphrodite-annabeth-said-venus-hazel-aske_422068.jpg)
![“My education [takes place] during the holidays from Eton.” quote by Osbert Sitwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42b/osbert-sitwell-28805_education_my-education-takes-place-during-the-holi_1537808.jpg)
![“For forty days he went out into the desert - and never shot anything [on Jesus]” quote by Osbert Sitwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b2c/osbert-sitwell-28805_christianity_for-forty-days-he-went-out-into-the-dese_2603465.jpg)
![“No visiting angel, or explorer from another planet, could have guessed that this bland orb [Earth] teemed with vermin, with world-mastering, self-torturing, incipiently angelic beasts.” quote by Olaf Stapledon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/olaf-stapledon-9950_angel_no-visiting-angel-or-explorer-from-anoth_12107.jpg)
