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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes a grave where no healing occurs, only internal conflict between fire and ice.
In plain terms
The speaker describes inner turmoil in death without healing.
What can you take from it?
Death can contain internal conflict without healing.

Where it applies

  • writing horror
  • expressing despair
  • imagining the afterlife

Putting it to work

  • expressing pain
  • creative writing
  • processing grief

Questions to consider

  • Is death peaceful or violent?
  • Can there be conflict after death?

Another view

This assumes a painful afterlife or internal state after death.

More from A. E. Housman

  1. They carry back bright to the coiner the mintage of man, The lads that will die in their glory and never be old.

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. There, like the wind through woods in riot, Through him the gale of life blew high; The tree of man was never quiet: Then 'twas the Roman, now 'tis I.

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. The bells they sound on Bredon And still the steeples hum. 'Come all to church, good people,' - Oh, noisy bells, be dumb; I hear you, I will come.

    Permalink to quote #20

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