“O, mickle is the powerful grace that liesIn herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities:For nought so vile that on the earth doth liveBut to the earth some special good doth give,Nor aught so good but strain’d from that fair useRevolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse:Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied;And vice sometimes by action dignified.Within the infant rind of this small flowerPoison hath residence and medicine power:For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part;Being tasted, slays all senses with the heart.Two such opposed kings encamp them stillIn man as well as herbs, grace and rude will;And where the worser is predominant,Full soon the canker death eats up that plant.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the character Friar Lawrence reflects on the duality of nature and the balance between good and evil. He emphasizes the idea that all things on earth have both positive and negative qualities, highlighting the importance of using them in the right way. The Friar warns that when vice overtakes virtue, destruction follows, likening it to a plant being consumed by a deadly disease. The quote serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists in the world and the consequences of misusing natural gifts.
Modern Relevance:
In this passage from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the idea of balance and the duality of nature is explored through the example of herbs and plants. This concept of opposing forces coexisting within the same entity can be applied to various aspects of modern life, emphasizing the importance of harmony and moderation. Let's delve deeper into how this notion of balance and the power of nature remains relevant in today's world.
Shakespeare highlights the dual nature of herbs, plants, and even human beings, where something that may seem harmful can also possess healing properties. This idea can be seen in the modern context when looking at the balance between technology and nature, or the importance of finding equilibrium in our lives. Just like the herbs described, it is essential to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of any situation and strive for harmony in order to thrive. The relevance of Shakespeare's words reminds us to embrace the complexity of life, acknowledging that even in the most challenging times, there is potential for growth and transformation.
Example of Usage
In this passage from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," Friar Laurence reflects on the duality of nature and the balance between good and evil. He muses on the power of herbs and plants, highlighting their ability to both heal and harm. This passage showcases Shakespeare's keen insight into the complexities of human nature and the forces that shape our actions and decisions.
Reflection Questions
In this excerpt from William Shakespeare's work, we are reminded of the duality of nature and the delicate balance between good and evil. Shakespeare illustrates how even the most seemingly insignificant things, like herbs and plants, can possess both positive and negative qualities. As you reflect on this passage, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret Shakespeare's comparison of herbs, plants, and stones to human virtues and vices? Do you see parallels in your own life?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where something good turned into something harmful due to misuse or misapplication? How did this impact you or those around you?
- Reflect on the idea of balance and harmony in nature and in human behavior. How can we strive to maintain this balance in our own lives?
- Consider the concept of grace and willpower within yourself. Are there areas where one dominates over the other? How can you work towards achieving a better balance between the two?
- Think about the metaphor of the "infant rind of this small flower" and its dual nature of poison and medicine. How can you apply this idea to your own experiences of finding hidden potential in seemingly negative situations?
Similar quotes
“The grey-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night,Chequering the eastern clouds with streaks of light,And flecked darkness like a drunkard reelsFrom forth day's path and Titan's fiery wheels:Now, ere the sun advance his burning eye,The day to cheer and night's dank dew to dry,I must up-fill this osier cage of oursWith baleful weeds and precious-juiced flowers.The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb;What is her burying grave that is her womb,And from her womb children of divers kindWe sucking on her natural bosom find,Many for many virtues excellent,None but for some and yet all different.O, mickle is the powerful grace that liesIn herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities:For nought so vile that on the earth doth liveBut to the earth some special good doth give,Nor aught so good but strain'd from that fair useRevolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse:Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied;And vice sometimes by action dignified.Within the infant rind of this small flowerPoison hath residence and medicine power:For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part;Being tasted, slays all senses with the heart.Two such opposed kings encamp them stillIn man as well as herbs, grace and rude will;And where the worser is predominant,Full soon the canker death eats up that plant.”
“Within the infant rind of this small flowerPoison hath residence and medicine power.For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part;Being tasted, stays all senses with the heart.Two such opposèd kings encamp them still,In man as well as herbs—grace and rude will. And where the worser is predominant,Full soon the canker death eats up that plant.(Inside the little rind of this weak flower, there is both poison and powerful medicine. If you smell it, you feel good all over your body. But if you taste it, you die. There are two opposite elements in everything, in men as well as in herbs—good and evil. When evil is dominant, death soon kills the body like cancer.) ”
“Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,And vice sometime by action dignified.”
“There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame as to be found false and perfidious.”
“On the whole, men are more good than bad; that, however, isn't the real point. But they are more or less ignorant, and it is this that we call vice or virtue; the most incorrigible vice being that of an ignorance that fancies it knows everything and therefore claims for itself the right to kill. The soul of the murderer is blind; and there can be no true goodness nor true love without the utmost clear-sightedness.”