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what cannot be saved when fate takes, patience her injury a mockery makes
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the inevitability of fate and how patience can turn suffering into mockery.

In this quote, Shakespeare illustrates the theme of fate's uncontrollable nature, suggesting that when one loses something to destiny, the emotional toll of waiting can lead to further suffering. The notion of patience turning into mockery emphasizes how waiting for something that is lost can lead to additional pain, as it is a reminder of what is no longer attainable.

Themes

FatePatienceSufferingLossMockery

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about overcoming adversity and the challenges of accepting loss.

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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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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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