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for Mercutio's soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company: Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the inevitability of death and companionship in the afterlife.

In this quote from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' Mercutio speaks to the transient nature of life and the profound connection between those left behind and those who have passed on. The statement suggests that the bond of companionship extends beyond life itself, emphasizing that if one dies, the other must follow to join their friend in the afterlife, thereby highlighting themes of mortality and friendship.

Themes

DeathFriendshipAfterlifeMortalityCompanionship

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a eulogy to express the idea of companionship in 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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