How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Your destination and your destiny's
A brook that was the water of the house,
Cold as a spring as yet so near its source, (49-51)
Congrats, Shmoopers. You've made it back to the beginning, the source. What is this source? Well that depends on how you interpret the poem. But in any case, it's clear that these waters are a metaphorical destiny—a place of sustenance and renewal.
Quote #5
A broken drinking goblet like the Grail
Under a spell so the wrong ones can't find it,
So can't get saved, as Saint Mark says they mustn't. (57-59)
It's all here, folks: the drinking goblet like the Grail, which was the vessel Jesus Christ drank from at the Last Supper, is under a spell so only the chosen ones can find it and be saved, and the unworthy cannot. If you're looking for the hero's journey, this is it: paydirt.
Quote #6
Here are your waters and your watering place.
Drink and be whole again beyond confusion. (61-62)
If this doesn't sound like the end of a rousing and inspiring sermon, what does? After the long and winding road, the rocky path, the climb, the serial ordeal, the many thresholds necessary for you to cross in your escape, you've finally arrived at your waters and your watering place.