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About this quote

What does it mean?
A crowd rushes out looking grotesque, appearing to laugh without joy.
In plain terms
Strange people ran out and looked like they were laughing but not smiling.
What can you take from it?
Outward expressions can mask internal emptiness.

Where it applies

  • horror scenes
  • social commentary
  • poetic imagery

Putting it to work

  • analyzing imagery
  • describing collective behavior

Questions to consider

  • What does a fake smile hide?
  • Why do crowds laugh?

Another view

The description relies heavily on gothic exaggeration.

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