# Power explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The chapter contrasts divine power with human pride, depicting power not rooted in God as fleeting and desolate like a meteor, while true strength is found in reverence and humility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The poem contrasts false, prideful power with divine strength, urging a turn from pride to humility.

### Redemption and Grace

True power is earned through reverence and humility, suggesting a path to grace.

## Character check-ins

### God

Referenced as the source of true power.

### Unknown

The speaker who reflects on the nature of power and addresses 'my brothers'.

## Key lines

> Power that is not of God, however great, Is but the downward rushing and the glare Of a swift meteor that hath lost its share In the one impulse which doth animate The parent mass

Any power not derived from God, no matter how impressive, is like a meteor that has broken away from its source—brilliant for a moment but ultimately doomed.

_Contrasts divine power with human pride._

> pride is but the empty mockery Of what is strong in man!

Pride is merely a hollow imitation of true human strength.

_Critique of pride as false strength._

> Not so the stern And sweet repose of soul which we can earn Only through reverence and humility!

True strength is the calm and gentle peace of soul that comes only from reverence and humility.

_Defines genuine power as inner peace gained through humility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/power
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters