On this hapless earth There 's small sincerity of mirth, And laughter oft is but an art To drown the outcry of the heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet claims true sincerity is rare on earth and laughter often masks inner pain.
- In plain terms
- Most happiness on earth is not sincere, and laughter often hides sadness.
- What can you take from it?
- Joy is often a mask for deeper suffering.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do we use humor to hide pain?
- Is all joy superficial?
Another view
The view is overly pessimistic and ignores genuine joy.
More from Hartley Coleridge
The soul of man is larger than the sky, Deeper than ocean, or the abysmal dark Of the unfathomed center.
Permalink to quote #1 She is not fair to outward view *As many maidens be; Her loveliness I never knew Until she smiled on me: Oh! then I saw her eye was bright, A well of love, a s…
Permalink to quote #3 Her very frowns are fairer far Than smiles of other maidens are.
Permalink to quote #4
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