Which Lines Best Depict a Contemplative Mood?

A contemplative mood is a state of profound thoughtfulness or reflection, often in relation to spiritual and philosophical matters. It is usually accompanied by a feeling of melancholy and a desire to search for the deeper meaning of life. Many works of literature, poetry, and even music have been inspired by this state, and some of them are particularly effective in conveying it. Here are some of the lines and passages that are best known for depicting a contemplative mood.

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

One of the most famous and powerful examples of a contemplative mood is found in the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem is about the remains of a long-forgotten king and the transience of human ambition and glory. Its famous lines, “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; / Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” are particularly effective in conveying the theme of contemplation.

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats

The poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats is a particularly effective example of a contemplative mood. The poem is about a man who dreams of returning to the peaceful lake of his childhood. The poem’s famous lines, “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,” evoke a deep sense of longing and contemplation.

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is another classic example of a contemplative mood. The poem is about a man who is faced with two roads, and must choose between them. The poem’s famous lines, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could not travel both,” evoke a sense of regret and contemplation.

“The Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

The song “The Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson is another example of a contemplative mood. The song is about the need for inner reflection and self-improvement. The song’s famous lines, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make a change,” evoke a sense of contemplation and self-reflection.

“The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross

The poem “The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross is a particularly powerful example of a contemplative mood. The poem is about a person’s journey through spiritual darkness and despair, and their eventual redemption. The poem’s famous lines, “In the dark night of the soul / All things must pass away,” evoke a deep sense of contemplation and hope.

These are some of the lines and passages that are best known for depicting a contemplative mood. Whether it is the longing of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias” or the regret of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” these works of literature and music are all effective in conveying the emotion of contemplation. By reading and listening to these works, we can gain a greater understanding of this powerful emotion.