Meaning: The quote "And bitter waxed the fray; Brother with brother spake no word When they met in the way" is from the poem "The High Tide on the Coast of Lincolnshire" by Jean Ingelow, a 19th-century English poet. The poem describes a tragic event where a storm causes a flood that leads to the loss of many lives, and it portrays the emotional aftermath of the disaster.

The quote reflects the deep emotional impact of the tragedy on the community. The phrase "bitter waxed the fray" suggests that the conflict or struggle became increasingly intense and hostile, indicating the profound impact of the events on the people involved. The line "Brother with brother spake no word When they met in the way" highlights the breakdown of communication and the emotional distance that has grown between individuals who were once close, emphasizing the profound and divisive effects of the tragedy.

Jean Ingelow, the poet behind this quote, was known for her lyrical and emotive poetry. Born in 1820, Ingelow gained recognition for her poems that often explored themes of love, loss, and the human experience. "The High Tide on the Coast of Lincolnshire" is one of her most well-known works, and it showcases her ability to convey powerful emotions and evoke a strong sense of empathy in her readers.

The poem itself is a narrative piece that unfolds the story of a devastating flood and its aftermath. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Ingelow portrays the impact of the disaster on the community, capturing the grief, despair, and emotional turmoil that the characters experience. The quote in question encapsulates the sense of alienation and emotional turmoil that permeates the community in the wake of the tragedy.

In analyzing the quote, it's important to consider the broader context of the poem and the historical background of the events it portrays. The poem was inspired by the real-life flood that occurred in 1571 in the Lincolnshire region of England. This natural disaster resulted in significant loss of life and property, leaving a lasting impact on the affected community. By drawing from a historical event, Ingelow infuses her poem with a sense of authenticity and relevance, tapping into the universal themes of loss, grief, and the breakdown of human connections in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the enduring impact of trauma and tragedy on interpersonal relationships. The image of "Brother with brother spake no word" speaks to the profound emotional distancing and breakdown of communication that can occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. It reflects the difficulty of processing intense emotions and the strain that such experiences can place on relationships, emphasizing the isolating effect of grief and suffering.

Overall, the quote "And bitter waxed the fray; Brother with brother spake no word When they met in the way" encapsulates the profound emotional impact of tragedy and the breakdown of communication and relationships in its aftermath. Through the evocative language and powerful imagery of the poem, Jean Ingelow captures the universal themes of loss, grief, and the complex emotions that arise in the face of adversity.