What is the meaning of this sentence abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The sentence “Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is” is a powerful and poetic line from the 19th-century poem “The Devil and the Lord” by Emily Dickinson. In this line, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and personification to convey the contrast between good and evil, illustrating how the devil (symbolizing evil) feels a sense of shame or discomfort when confronted with goodness.
Meaning of the Sentence:
The sentence suggests that the devil, representing evil or sin, is struck with embarrassment (abashed) when encountering the concept or presence of goodness. The devil stands in a state of unease, recognizing the “awfulness” (in this case, meaning overwhelming or powerful) of goodness, which he finds difficult or unpleasant. The contrast between good and evil is highlighted by the devil’s reaction to something pure or virtuous, which feels oppressive or difficult to bear.
Detailed Explanation:
- “Abashed”: This term means to feel embarrassed or self-conscious. It is unusual to describe the devil—who is typically associated with pride and defiance—as being abashed. This choice of word implies a surprising vulnerability in the devil when faced with something greater than himself: goodness.
- “The devil stood”: The devil, a symbolic figure of evil, is depicted here as standing still, perhaps in awe or shock. This suggests the devil’s powerless position in the face of virtue.
- “And felt how awful goodness is”: Here, “awful” does not mean “bad,” but rather “overwhelming” or “powerful.” Goodness, in its purity, is so formidable that the devil feels it to be almost unbearable. This emphasizes the strength and moral superiority of goodness, in contrast to the devil’s evil nature, which finds it hard to tolerate such righteousness.
Ultimately, this line explores the tension between good and evil, suggesting that evil, when confronted with goodness, is aware of its inferiority. The sentence reflects the profound moral conflict between these forces, and Dickinson uses the devil’s reaction to show how goodness can be a powerful force, even to the most malevolent entities.