Meaning: This quote by Antonin Artaud is a profound reflection on the concept of hell and human suffering. Artaud, a French dramatist, poet, and theorist, is known for his avant-garde approach to theater and his exploration of the darkest aspects of human existence. In this quote, he suggests that hell is not just a mythical or otherworldly place, but rather a state of being that some individuals experience in their lives. He also introduces the idea that there are people who have managed to escape this hellish existence, but are destined to continually relive their escape, implying that their suffering is perpetual and inescapable.

One interpretation of this quote is that Artaud is commenting on the pervasive nature of suffering in the human experience. He seems to be suggesting that for some individuals, the trials and tribulations of life are so intense and unrelenting that they feel as though they are trapped in a personal hell. This could be due to a variety of factors such as mental illness, trauma, oppression, or existential angst. Artaud's use of the word "escapees" implies that these individuals have managed to break free from their hellish circumstances, but the word "destined ETERNALLY" suggests that their suffering is not truly over and that they are fated to continually relive their torment.

Furthermore, Artaud's choice to capitalize "ETERNALLY" emphasizes the enduring and unending nature of this cycle of suffering. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the cyclical and repetitive nature of human suffering, suggesting that for some individuals, escape from their personal hell is only temporary and that they are bound to return to it again and again.

From a psychological perspective, this quote could be seen as a reflection of the concept of trauma and the ways in which individuals who have experienced significant adversity may find themselves trapped in a cycle of reenacting their pain and suffering. It speaks to the idea that for some people, the scars of their past experiences are so deep that they continue to influence and shape their present and future, leading to a perpetual reliving of their trauma.

Artaud's use of language in this quote is particularly striking, as he employs vivid and evocative imagery to convey the intensity and inescapability of the suffering he is describing. The word "hell" itself carries a weight of connotations, evoking images of fire, torment, and eternal punishment. By associating this concept with the idea of being "of this world," Artaud blurs the line between the metaphysical and the earthly, suggesting that the suffering he speaks of is not confined to the afterlife but is an intrinsic part of human existence.

In conclusion, Antonin Artaud's quote provides a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of suffering and the enduring impact it can have on individuals. By framing hell as a worldly experience and portraying some individuals as destined to continually reenact their escape from it, Artaud offers a profound and somewhat bleak perspective on the human condition. This quote invites contemplation on the cyclical nature of suffering, the enduring effects of trauma, and the pervasive presence of pain in the lives of some individuals.