All were fat; and well they might Be in admirable plight, For one by one, and two by two, He tossed them human hearts to chew.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ogres who look well-fed were actually chewing on human hearts to survive.
- In plain terms
- Those who seem full may be consuming the lives of others.
- What can you take from it?
- Wealth or health may come at the expense of others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who feeds on others?
- What hides behind comfort?
Another view
The metaphor is extreme and relies on a folkloric setup.
More from Percy Bysshe Shelley
I met Murder on the way - He had a mask like Castlereagh - Very smooth he looked, yet grim; Seven blood-hounds followed him.
Permalink to quote #97 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 As I lay asleep in Italy There came a voice from over the Sea, And with great power it forth led me To walk in the visions of Poesy.
Permalink to quote #96
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