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Die for adultery! No: The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly does lecher in my sight
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote criticizes the triviality of infidelity and points out the ubiquitous nature of desire.

In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the idea that infidelity and sexual desire are natural occurrences, drawing an image of even the smallest creatures, like a wren or a fly, engaging in such acts. By stating 'Die for adultery!', he seems to mock the seriousness with which society treats infidelity, highlighting that it is a common human experience that transcends moral judgments.

Themes

InfidelityDesireAdulteryNatureLove

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about the nature of fidelity in relationships.

More from William Shakespeare

As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
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Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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