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About this quote

What does it mean?
A humorous and simplistic description of the Devil's appearance, likely from a children's poem or story.
In plain terms
The Devil is dressed nicely but looks a bit ridiculous.
What can you take from it?
Folklore often humanizes or mocks supernatural figures.

Where it applies

  • telling stories
  • children's literature

Putting it to work

  • storytelling
  • illustration ideas

Questions to consider

  • Why is the Devil dressed like a person?

Another view

It simplifies complex theological ideas into a cartoon.

More from Robert Southey

  1. From his brimstone bed, at break of day, A-walking the Devil is gone, To look at his little, snug farm of the World, And see how his stock went on.

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  2. He passed a cottage with a double coach-house, A cottage of gentility; And he owned with a grin That his favorite sin Is pride that apes humility.

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. 'And everybody praised the Duke Who this great fight did win.' 'But what good came of it at last?' Quoth little Peterkin. 'Why, that I cannot tell,' said he, '…

    Permalink to quote #23

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