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About this quote

What does it mean?
A ruler claims absolute authority, identifying himself as the ultimate power and law.
In plain terms
The king says he is God and makes all the rules.
What can you take from it?
Absolute rulers often claim divine right to rule.

Where it applies

  • political rule
  • dictatorship
  • religion

Putting it to work

  • question absolute authority
  • identify power structures

Questions to consider

  • Who holds the law?
  • Is power absolute?

Another view

Not all leaders claim to be gods.

More from Percy Bysshe Shelley

  1. Last came Anarchy: he rode On a white horse, splashed with blood; He was pale even to the lips, Like Death in the Apocalypse.

    Permalink to quote #100
  2. And with glorious triumph, they Rode through England proud and gay, Drunk as with intoxication Of the wine of desolation.

    Permalink to quote #102
  3. And many more Destructions played In this ghastly masquerade, All disguised, even to the eyes, Like Bishops, lawyers, peers, or spies.

    Permalink to quote #99

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