In Hamlet, after the King has issued a challenge for Hamlet to fight a duel, which is supposed to be a sporting event with Laertes, but in which the King has planned for Hamlet to die, Hamlet’s closest friend, Horatio warns him to avoid the contest. Hamlet, however, dismisses the fear of death.
HORATIO: If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will
forestall their repair hither and say you are not fit.
HAMLET: Not a whit. We defy augery. There is special
providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, ’tis
not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it
be not now; yet it will come. The readiness is all. (5. 2. 217-220)
Shakespeare, William. The Complete Works of Shakespeare Seventh
Edition. David Bevington editor. Pearson. 2014.
A great quote from Hamlet. Thank you for sharing!
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You are very welcome!
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You are very welcome!
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My Dear Friend and Mentor,
I love this quotation. In my mind it reflects on a mans honor. So let me try to explain how it plays in my mind….my heart. Horatio dear life friend of Hamlet fears for his life and tries to save his life.
Hamlet rebuts because he knows well believes that there is a divine influence regarding a death. In other words it may happen, it may not happen, no augry or signs what will happen be looked at….. ride the fates maintain your honor and dignity
Chuck…… I am a big fan of West Wing ( If only we had presidents on either party like Bartlet) But the episode where they quote from The Lion in Winter about and paraphrasing as if it matters how we go down and the other prisoner I think his brother says you fool, when all the fall is all but left, nothing else matters. Always took that as even in death, in fault how you stand as a man says it all.
Three minute version from a hopeless romantic about honor…..lol
Hope all is well my brother …we need cigars and scotch soon
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Steve, thank you so much! And yes, honor matters–always!
Also, we definitely need to get together soon for cigars and scotch!
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As a man event in the final moments. Die with honor
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And to live life well.
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Indeed. And may we all be ready…
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I agree
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