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Fear no more the heat o' th' sun Nor the furious winters' rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages. Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the inevitability of death and encourages acceptance of life's cyclical nature.

In this quote, Shakespeare conveys a sense of peace regarding mortality, suggesting that when one's earthly responsibilities are complete, they can rest. The imagery of both the 'heat o' th' sun' and 'furious winters' rages' highlights the struggles faced in life, while the notion that 'golden lads and girls' ultimately 'come to dust' serves as a poignant reminder that all lives, regardless of their brilliance, end in the same way.

Themes

DeathMortalityAcceptanceLifeImpermanence

In practice

Example use cases

During a funeral, this quote can be used to comfort those grieving by reminding them of the peace that follows death.

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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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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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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A little wisdom, now and then

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