Death Quote by Robert Lowell
““The bones cry for the blood of the white whale, The fat flukes arch and whack about its ears, The death-lance churns into the sanctuary, tears The gun-blue swingle, heaving like a flail, And hacks the coiling life out…””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Bones Cry”, Robert Lowell, 1973
The poem depicts violent, grotesque imagery of a whale's death, reflecting on suffering and the brutality of nature.
In simple terms: Violent imagery portrays nature's cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the harsh realities of existence.
Themes
nature
violence
death
whale
suffering
Mood
somber
intense
reflective
Type
literary
poetic
When to use this quote
- marine conservation
- literary analysis
- environmental activism
- education
- art therapy
Key Concepts
existentialism
environmental critique
human cruelty
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the whale symbolize?
- How does violence affect our perception of nature?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: Some may see the imagery as overly sensational.
