Poetry · Chapter
CCXXVII explained
A brief dialogue between Ingratitude and Benevolence, where Ingratitude expresses sorrow over the devastations caused by Benevolence, and Benevolence reveals itself as Ingratitude's parent.
What happens
A brief dialogue between Ingratitude and Benevolence, where Ingratitude expresses sorrow over the devastations caused by Benevolence, and Benevolence reveals itself as Ingratitude's parent.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The dialogue highlights the paradoxical relationship between benevolence and ingratitude, suggesting that acts of kindness can lead to destructive outcomes.
Key passages
“Who art thou, so sorrowful?”
Who are you, looking so sad?
Benevolence addresses Ingratitude.
“Ingratitude. It saddens me to look upon the devastations of Benevolence.”
I am Ingratitude. It makes me sad to see the destruction caused by Benevolence.
Ingratitude identifies itself and explains its sorrow.
“Then veil thine eyes, for I am Benevolence.”
Then cover your eyes, because I am Benevolence.
Benevolence reveals its identity.
“Wretch! thou art my father and my mother.”
You miserable creature! You are my father and my mother.
Ingratitude curses Benevolence, claiming it as its parent.