Alas Quote by William Topaz McGonagall
“Beautiful Railway Bridge of the Silv'ryTay! Alas! I am very sorry to say That ninety lives have been taken away On the last Sabbath day of1879, Which will be remember'd for a very long time.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Railway Bridge, 1879, by William Topaz McGonagall
A tragic event is commemorated, highlighting loss and collective memory of a disaster.
In simple terms: A disaster is remembered and mourned.
Remember and honor those lost.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- memorial services
- history lessons
- community healing
- public safety campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent similar tragedies?
- What role does remembrance play in healing?
The quote may romanticize the tragedy, obscuring causes and prevention.