"Commonplace people dislike tragedy because they dare not suffer and cannot exult"

This quote by John Masefield talks to the concept that tragedy is something that is not often welcomed by the average person. He suggests that individuals who are considered "commonplace" are not going to experience the discomfort and suffering that disaster brings, and therefore they do dislike it. He suggests that tragedy is something that requires a certain level of guts and strength to withstand, and those who are not going to do so can not understand the happiness that can come from it. He recommends that catastrophe can be a source of exultation, however only if one is willing to accept the discomfort that features it. This quote talks to the concept that catastrophe can be a source of growth and understanding, however just if one wants to accept the suffering that comes with it.