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).
William ShakespeareRead
So may the outward shows be least themselves: The world is still deceived with ornament. In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt, But, being seasoned with a gracious voice, Obscures the show of evil? In religion, What damned error, but some sober brow Will bless it and approve it with a text, Hiding the grossness with fair ornament? There is no vice so simple but assumes Some mark of virtue on his outward parts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Outward appearances can be deceiving, masking true intentions or flaws.
This quote highlights the theme that superficial appearances often misrepresent the true nature of individuals or ideas. Shakespeare warns that whether in law or religion, people may use eloquence and decorum to disguise corruption or vice, thus urging a deeper examination beyond mere appearances.
Themes
DeceptionAppearanceVirtueCorruptionTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of seeing beyond appearances.
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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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