But strength alone, though of the Muses born, Is like a fallen angel: trees uptorn, Darkness, and worms, and shrouds, and sepulchers Delight it; for it feeds upon the burrs And thorns of life; forgetting the great end Of poesy, that it should be a friend To soothe the cares, and lift the thoughts of man. KEATS CALIFORNIA, 1850
In "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, the quote emphasizes that mere strength, even when inspired by creativity, leads to a destructive and negative existence. It likens strength to a fallen angel, implying that without purpose or nobility, this strength becomes chaotic and feeds on life's difficulties, represented by dark imagery such as "trees uptorn" and "sepulchers." This suggests that untempered strength can lead to despair and suffering.
The quote further suggests that the true essence of poetry—and, by extension, art and life—should be about solace and enlightenment. Instead of succumbing to dark forces, the purpose of creativity should be to comfort and uplift humanity, guiding people toward a more hopeful and meaningful existence. It calls for a balance where strength is coupled with compassion and inspiration to achieve a better collective purpose.
