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
And writers say, as the most forward bud_x000D_ _x000D_ Is eaten by the canker ere it blow,_x000D_ _x000D_ Even so by love the young and tender wit_x000D_ _x000D_ Is turn'd to folly, blasting in the bud,_x000D_ _x000D_ Losing his verdure even in the prime,_x000D_ _x000D_ And all the fair effects of future hopes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Love can consume young minds before they reach their full potential.
In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the idea that love, while often seen as beautiful, can also be destructive. It suggests that the enthusiasm and innocence of youth can be stifled or turned to foolishness by the intensity of romantic feelings, leading to a loss of future potential and dreams. The imagery of a budding flower being damaged before it has a chance to bloom serves as a poignant metaphor for this experience.
Themes
LoveYouthPotentialFollyDestruction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion on the challenges of young love in a literature class.
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One word more. You look as if you thought it tainted you to be loved by me. You cannot avoid it. Nay, I, if I would, cannot cleanse you from it. But I would not, if I could. I have never loved any woman before: my life has been too busy, my thoughts too much absorbed with other things. Now I love, and will love. But do not be afraid of too much expression on my part.
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Love is my gift to the world. I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world.
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Lover's words: βHow beautiful you are, now that you love me.β
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