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Percy Bysshe Shelley - Lift Not The Painted Veil Which Those Who Live

Lift not the painted veil which those who live 
Call Life: though unreal shapes be pictured there, 
And it but mimic all we would believe 
With colours idly spread,--behind, lurk Fear 
And Hope, twin Destinies; who ever weave 
Their shadows, o'er the chasm, sightless and drear. 
I knew one who had lifted it--he sought, 
For his lost heart was tender, things to love, 
But found them not, alas! nor was there aught 
The world contains, the which he could approve. 
Through the unheeding many he did move, 
A splendour among shadows, a bright blot 
Upon this gloomy scene, a Spirit that strove 
For truth, and like the Preacher found it not.

Added: on March 6th, 2008 at 10:37 PM | Viewed: 2739 times | Comments (1)


Lift Not The Painted Veil Which Those Who Live - Comments and Information

Poet: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Poem: Lift Not The Painted Veil Which Those Who Live

Poem of the Day on:
Sep 14 2007

Comment 1 of 1, added on March 6th, 2008 at 10:37 PM.

after explicating this poem i thought the meaning is that society is disillusioned with trivial things and materialism. which masks a deeper truth tat could aid humanity in finding meaning to life. I believe she conveys a feeling of remorse through her literary devices such as personifacation, methaphors, and others. I also believe an allusion to plato's allegory of the cave is used throughout the volta and sesset. I hope this helps anyone who reads it and sorry for any spelling errors

babak from United States

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