“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.) ”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the speaker reflects on the duality present in nature and in human beings. The small flower described serves as a metaphor for the complexities of human nature, where both poison and medicine exist within the same entity. The speaker warns that when the "worser" or evil aspect of a person or plant prevails, it can lead to destruction and death, akin to cancer spreading throughout the body. This quote highlights the eternal struggle between good and evil within individuals, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the "grace" or good side to prevent the "rude will" from taking over.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the idea that there are both good and bad elements within all things is explored. This concept of duality is still relevant today, reminding us that every person and situation contains both positive and negative aspects. Just as the flower in the passage holds both poison and medicine, we must navigate the complexities of life with awareness of the opposing forces at play.
Example of Usage
William Shakespeare uses the imagery of a small flower to explore the duality of human nature in his play "Romeo and Juliet". In this passage, Friar Lawrence describes how both poison and medicine can be found within the same plant, illustrating the constant battle between good and evil in both nature and mankind.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this passage from Shakespeare's work, consider the following questions:
How do you interpret the idea of there being both poison and medicine within the same small flower? Do you see this duality reflected in other aspects of life?
How do you relate to the concept of grace and rude will coexisting within individuals? In what ways do you see these conflicting elements play out in your own life or the lives of those around you?
What do you think Shakespeare is suggesting about the consequences of allowing the "worser" aspect to prevail in a person or situation? How can we strive to cultivate the "grace" within ourselves and others?
In what ways do you see the themes of balance and choice represented in this passage? How can we navigate the dualities present in our lives to avoid the destructive effects of an imbalanced state?
How do you think this passage relates to the broader themes of morality and human nature explored in Shakespeare's works? How can we apply the lessons learned from these reflections to our own experiences and choices in life?
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