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About this quote

What does it mean?
A reference to biblical figures emphasizing shared origins despite opposing roles.
In plain terms
Abel and Cain were brothers who shared the same mother.
What can you take from it?
Shared origins do not guarantee harmony.

Where it applies

  • moral discussion
  • storytelling
  • history

Putting it to work

  • recognize commonality
  • study conflict
  • value lineage

Questions to consider

  • What ties bind enemies?
  • How do families divide?

Another view

It relies on specific religious knowledge.

More from Gerard Manley Hopkins

  1. Hope had grown grey hairs, Hope had mourning on, Trenched with tears, carved with cares, Hope was twelve hours gone.

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  2. The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed.

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  3. Thou mastering me God! giver of breath and bread; World's strand, sway of the sea; Lord of living and dead; Thou hast bound bones and veins in me, fastened me …

    Permalink to quote #24

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