'Ha! ha!' quoth he, 'full plain I see, The Devil knows how to row.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker laughs at a situation where the Devil is rowing, implying recognition of supernatural or foolish behavior. It suggests mockery of evil effort.
- In plain terms
- Someone laughs because they see the Devil rowing a boat.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize absurdity even in serious or dark contexts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you laugh at fear?
- What counts as absurd effort?
Another view
It may be hard to see humor in truly dark situations.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
And the owlet whoops to the wolf below, That eats the she-wolf's young.
Permalink to quote #72 Farewell, farewell! but this I tell To thee, thou Wedding-Guest! He prayeth well, who loveth well Both man and bird and beast.
Permalink to quote #74 No voice; but oh! the silence sank Like music on my heart.
Permalink to quote #71
Related quotes
Life always provides me with better jokes than any I could invent.
Barbara KingsolverBarbara Kingsolver quote #16 'Why do people sing Take Me Out to The Ballgame when they're already there?'
Alex RodriguezAlex Rodriguez quote #4 What are you laughing at? You are laughing at yourselves!
Nikolai Vasilievich GogolNikolai Vasilievich Gogol quote #9