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O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The speaker acknowledges the severity of their wrongdoing and the weight of guilt they feel.

This quote expresses a deep sense of remorse and recognition of the gravity of one's actions. By stating that the offense 'smells to heaven,' the speaker signifies that their guilt is so profound that it reaches the divine, suggesting a profound internal conflict and the need for redemption or forgiveness.

Themes

GuiltRemorseForgivenessRedemptionWrongdoing

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about guilt and forgiveness during a counseling session.

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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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