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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shelley asks workers why they labor for lords who oppress them.
In plain terms
Why do workers toil for those who keep them down?
What can you take from it?
Question why you work for those who oppress you.

Where it applies

  • worker rights
  • political activism
  • economic inequality

Putting it to work

  • question labor relations
  • challenge authority
  • support workers

Questions to consider

  • Who benefits from your work?
  • Is your labor fairly rewarded?

Another view

The quote assumes all labor for lords is exploitative.

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  3. Yet now despair itself is mild, Even as the winds and waters are; I could lie down like a tired child, And weep away the life of care Which I have borne and ye…

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