And death shall have no dominion.
-- Speaker (Lines 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27)

Importance: This is the most prominent line in the poem. It is repeated a total of six times (seven counting the title), with each repetition either opening or closing a stanza. In this way the line serves as bookends for each stage of the poem. The repetition of the phrase strongly emphasizes the poem’s key idea, giving it a chant-like quality. It stands as a symbol of the human spirit, refusing to be overshadowed despite the darker imagery it encounters.

Though they go mad they shall be sane, / Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again
-- Speaker (Lines 6-7)

Importance: These lines reference the period of renewal that people go through after they die. Even if they are “mad” — which may refer to literal mental (or physical) illness, or the overwhelming stress of living — they will find peace, clarity, and restoration. This moment is also a...