While, like a ghastly rapid river, Through the pale door A hideous throng rush out forever And laugh - but smile no more.
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
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does a fake smile hide?
- Why do crowds laugh?
Another view
The description relies heavily on gothic exaggeration.
More from Edgar Allan Poe
In the greenest of our valleys By good angels tenanted, Once a fair and stately palace - Radiant palace - reared its head.
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