Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink for fellows whom it hurts to think

Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink for fellows whom it hurts to think

"Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink for fellows whom it hurts to think" is a line from the poem "Terence, this is stupid stuff" by A.E. Housman. This poem, written in the late 19th century, reflects on the themes of escapism, the power of poetry, and the harsh realities of life.

In this particular line, Housman seems to be suggesting that ale is a form of solace for those who find it difficult to confront their thoughts and emotions. The act of drinking ale can provide a temporary escape from the pain and discomfort of facing one's innermost thoughts. It is a way to numb the mind and dull the senses, allowing one to forget their troubles, if only for a short while.

Housman's use of the word "ale" in this context is symbolic of a larger theme in his poetry – the idea of seeking refuge in the pleasures of the present moment to avoid the harsh realities of life. Throughout his work, Housman often explores the themes of mortality, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. In "Terence, this is stupid stuff," he uses the image of ale as a metaphor for the ways in which people seek to escape from the pain and suffering that are inherent in the human experience.

However, despite the temporary relief that ale may provide, Housman ultimately suggests that true solace can only be found through facing one's emotions and confronting the harsh truths of life. In the final stanza of the poem, he writes, "And malt does more than Milton can / To justify God's ways to man." Here, he implies that poetry – and by extension, art and literature – has the power to provide a deeper understanding of the world and offer a sense of comfort and solace that ale cannot provide.