From childhood's hour I have not been As others were - I have not seen As others saw - I could not bring My passions from a common spring - From the same source I have not taken My sorrow - I could not awaken My heart to joy at the same tone - And all I lov'd - I lov'd alone -
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker feels fundamentally different from others in how they perceive and feel emotions.
- In plain terms
- I have never felt or seen things like other people do.
- What can you take from it?
- Feeling different from others can shape how you experience joy and sorrow.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- In what ways do you feel unique?
- How does your sadness differ from others?
Another view
Not everyone agrees that feeling different is a permanent trait.
More from Edgar Allan Poe
The happiest day - the happiest hour My sear'd and blighted heart hath known, The highest hope of pride and power, I feel hath flown.
Permalink to quote #3 And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view.
Permalink to quote #5 O, human love! thou spirit given, On Earth, of all we hope in Heaven!
Permalink to quote #2
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