“O, grief hath changed me since you saw me last,And careful hours with Time's deformed handHave written strange defeatures in my face.But tell me yet, dost thou not know my voice?”
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from William Shakespeare's play "Richard II," the speaker is reflecting on how grief has transformed them since they were last seen by the person they are addressing. The speaker acknowledges the physical toll that time and sorrow have taken on them, but they still cling to the hope that their true identity can be recognized through their voice. This quote highlights the theme of change and the impact of grief on a person's appearance and demeanor. It also explores the idea of identity and how it can be altered by external forces such as time and sorrow.
Modern Relevance:
In today's fast-paced world, the concept of change is constant. People are constantly evolving, both physically and emotionally, due to various life experiences. Just like the speaker in this Shakespearean quote, individuals may find themselves feeling changed and transformed over time. Through this timeless quote, Shakespeare captures the essence of how time and grief can leave their mark on us, prompting us to reflect on our own personal growth and transformation.
William Shakespeare
"“O, grief hath changed me since you saw me last, And careful hours with Time's deformed hand Have written strange defeatures in my face. But tell me yet, dost thou not know my voice?” - William Shakespeare"
Reflection Questions
After reading this quote from William Shakespeare, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- How does grief impact the way a person presents themselves to others?
- In what ways can time change a person's physical appearance and demeanor?
- How does the speaker in the quote emphasize the importance of recognition through voice?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where someone's voice was the only thing that allowed you to recognize them, despite physical changes?
- How do you think grief can affect one's ability to connect with others on a deeper level?
Similar quotes
“Dost thou not suspect my place? Dost thou not suspect my years? O that he were here to write me down an ass! But masters, remember that I am an ass. Though it be not written down, yet forget not that I am an ass. No, thou villain, thou art full of piety, as shall be proved upon thee by good witness. I am a wise fellow, and which is more, an officer, and which is more, a householder, and which is more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any is in Messina, and one that knows the law, go to . . . and one that hath two gowns, and everything handsome about him. Bring him away. O that I had been writ down an ass!”
“I'll read enoughWhen I do see the very book indeedWhere all my sins are writ, and that's myself.Give me that glass and therein will I read.No deeper wrinkles yet? Hath sorrow struckSo many blows upon this face of mineAnd made no deeper wounds?O flattering glass,Like to my followers in prosperityThou dost beguile me!”
“Thou are my only reality-- all other people are but shadows to me: all events and actions, in which thou dost not mingle, are but dreams.”
“Say over again, and yet once over again,That thou dost love me...-tollThe silver iterance!”
“Is it thy will, thy image should keep openMy heavy eyelids to the weary night?Dost thou desire my slumbers should be broken,While shadows like to thee do mock my sight?Is it thy spirit that thou send'st from theeSo far from home into my deeds to pry,To find out shames and idle hours in me,The scope and tenor of thy jealousy?O, no! thy love, though much, is not so great:It is my love that keeps mine eye awake:Mine own true love that doth my rest defeat,To play the watchman ever for thy sake:For thee watch I, whilst thou dost wake elsewhere,From me far off, with others all too near.”