“Worship isn't destructive, Martin. I know that. I don't. I only know it's the core of his life. What else has he got? He can hardly read. He knows no physics or engineering to make to world real for him. No paintings to show him how others have enjoyed it. No music except television jingles. No history except tales from a desperate mother. No friends. Not one kid to give him a joke, or make him know himself more moderately. He's a modern citizen for whom society doesn't exist.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Peter Shaffer's work, the speaker reflects on the character's devotion to worship and how it shapes his entire existence. The speaker acknowledges that worship is not inherently destructive, but rather serves as the core of the character's life. They highlight the character's lack of traditional forms of knowledge and connection, such as literacy, art, music, and social relationships. Ultimately, the speaker paints a picture of a lonely and isolated individual who relies on worship as their sole connection to something greater than themselves.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and increasingly digital world, the concept of worship and its impact on an individual's life is still highly relevant. This quote from Peter Shaffer's play serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of meaningful connections, knowledge, and community in shaping one's identity and sense of belonging in society. As we navigate through a landscape filled with distractions and superficial interactions, the essence of genuine worship and genuine human connections becomes even more crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.
Analysis of the quote by Peter Shaffer
“Worship isn't destructive, Martin. I know that. I don't. I only know it's the core of his life. What else has he got? He can hardly read. He knows no physics or engineering to make to world real for him. No paintings to show him how others have enjoyed it. No music except television jingles. No history except tales from a desperate mother. No friends. Not one kid to give him a joke, or make him know himself more moderately. He's a modern citizen for whom society doesn't exist.” - Peter Shaffer
This quote from Peter Shaffer's work highlights the importance of worship and the impact it can have on an individual's life. It also sheds light on the limitations faced by some individuals in society, and the lack of exposure to different forms of art, music, and history.
Reflection Questions:
After reading this quote from Peter Shaffer's play, consider the following questions:
- How does worship play a central role in this character's life, as described in the passage?
- In what ways does the character lack exposure to various aspects of life and culture that many people take for granted?
- How does the lack of these experiences and connections with others impact the character's perception of society and his place within it?
- What do you think the author is trying to convey about the importance of diverse experiences and connections in shaping one's understanding of the world?
Similar quotes
“He knows no physics or engineering to make the world real to him… no paintings to show him how others have enjoyed it… no music except television jingles… no history except tales from a desperate mother… no friends to give him a joke or make him know himself more moderately. He’s a modern citizen for whom society doesn’t exist.”
“It's not fair. It's not fair that he lets his rage take over, that he lets it rule him. I don't know why he has to let it rule him. I don't know why he has to be two people. I don't know why he gets to be two people, and I only get to be me, the one who is here to take what he has to give, and who is here to pick pu the pieces afterward.”
“I don't know whether it's because I don't love him, or because I can't love him for demanding something like that from me. Or because he doesn't know me for squat. But I couldn't give him my whole life. And that's what he wanted from me. He wanted everything, and I wanted him to love me for what I had already offered.”
“They ascribe omnipotence and omniscience to him and I don't know what else; it seems to me so strange that they never credit him with common-sense or allow him tolerance. If he knew as much about human nature as I do he'd know how weak men are and how little control they have over their passions, he'd know how full of fear they are and how pitiful, he'd know how much goodness there is even in the worst and how much wickedness in the best. If he's capable of feeling he must be capable of remorse, and when he considers what a hash he's made in the creation of human kind can he feel anything but that? The wonder is that he does not make use of his omnipotence to annihilate himself. Perhaps that's just what he has done.”
“It's just hard to see a friend hurt this much. Especially when you can't do anything except 'be there.' I just want to make him stop hurting, but I can't. So I just follow him around whenever he wants to show me his world.”