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About this quote

What does it mean?
Butler compares rhymed verse to a rudder that guides ships, suggesting poetry directs human course and action.
In plain terms
Rhymes help steer people like a rudder steers a ship.
What can you take from it?
Verse shapes behavior and direction.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • speech
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • crafting arguments
  • teaching values

Questions to consider

  • How does language steer you?
  • What verses guide your course?

Another view

Rhyme may guide but does not guarantee a sound course.

More from Samuel Butler

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  2. This Light inspires, and plays upon The nose of Saint like Bag-pipe drone, And speaks through hollow empty Soul, As through a Trunk, or whisp'ring hole, Such l…

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  3. And weave fine cobwebs, fit for skull That's empty when the moon is full; Such as take lodgings in a head That's to be let unfurnished.

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