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
O serpent heart hid with a flowering face! Did ever a dragon keep so fair a cave? Beautiful tyrant, feind angelical, dove feather raven, wolvish-ravening lamb! Despised substance of devinest show, just opposite to what thou justly seemest - A dammed saint, an honourable villain!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote explores the conflict between appearances and true nature in relationships, specifically the duality of love and betrayal.
In this quote from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the speaker reflects on the deceptive nature of their beloved, who embodies both beauty and danger. The vivid contrasts between 'serpent heart' and 'flowering face' illustrate the tension between how someone appears and their true character, highlighting a theme of love that is intertwined with pain and betrayal. It captures the complexity of emotions felt when one loves someone who is ultimately harmful but attractive.
Themes
LoveDeceptionBetrayalDualityAppearance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the complexities of romantic relationships, this quote can be used to illustrate the idea that beauty can mask pain.
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