How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
And laugh—but smile no more. (48)
This is the crushing final image of madness, the proof that everything that was once beautiful and sane has become ugly and deranged. In a normal world, and in a normal state of mind, it should be impossible to laugh without smiling. In the new world of madness and evil at the end of this poem, though, laughter and smiles don't go together. The insane laughter goes on and on, but the spirits will never smile. It's not just that this is a chilling image; it's that it all seems so permanent. Joy is gone forever, and madness is running the show.