I am my father's father, You are your children's guilt. In history's pity and terror The child is Aeneas again; Troy is in the nursery, The rocking horse is on fire. Child labor! The child must carry His fathers on his back.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet suggests children inherit their fathers' burdens, carrying history and guilt like Aeneas carrying his father from Troy.
- In plain terms
- Kids carry their parents' problems and history on their backs.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize inherited burdens in families.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do children inherit guilt?
- How heavy is history?
Another view
The metaphor relies heavily on classical mythology.
More from Delmore Schwartz
Each minute bursts in the burning room, The great globe reels in the solar fire, Spinning the trivial and unique away. (How all things flash! How all things fl…
Permalink to quote #1 A car coughed, starting. Morning softly Melting the air, lifted the half-covered chair From underseas, kindled the looking-glass, Distinguished the dresser and…
Permalink to quote #3 Whence, if ever, shall come the actuality Of a voice speaking the mind's knowing, The sunlight bright on the green windowshade, And the self articulate, affect…
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
We live, but a world has passed away With the years that perished to make us men.
William Dean HowellsWilliam Dean Howells quote #1 This is the greatest honour I have ever received in my life. Peace has always been my greatest concern. Yet in my childhood I learned to love it. My mother-an …
Pablo CasalsPablo Casals quote #1 In view of my services in Africa, I have the chance of dying by poison. Two generals have brought it with them. It is fatal in three seconds. If I take the poi…
Erwin RommelErwin Rommel quote #3