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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes a face that could be instantly destroyed by darkness, suggesting vulnerability.
In plain terms
A face that darkness could kill right away.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the fragility of certain personas or ideals.

Where it applies

  • poetic description
  • literary analysis

Putting it to work

  • use stark imagery to convey danger
  • explore themes of mortality

Questions to consider

  • What does the 'face' symbolize?
  • How does darkness function as a metaphor?

Another view

The line is vague and open‑ended.

More from Lawrence Ferlinghetti

  1. The pennycandystore beyond the El is where I first fell in love with unreality

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. Poetry is the shadow cast by our imaginations.

    Permalink to quote #3

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