The English Concentration 
in the Liberal Studies Degree 

INTERPRETATION––In two concise yet detailed and well organized paragraphs, interpret the following passage, explaining  

• the theme/purpose of the work that the quote comes from in its historical context 
• and what the passage means (interpret the important symbols, images, or references). 

But something else was needed, a finer being,
More capable of mind, a sage, a ruler,
So Man was born, it may be, in God’s image,
Or Earth, perhaps, so newly separated
From the old fire of Heaven, still retained
Some seed of celestial force which fashioned 
Gods out of living clay and running water.
All other animals look downward; Man,
Alone, erect, can raise his face toward Heaven.