As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
Alas, their love may be call'd appetite. No motion of the liver, but the palate
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that some forms of love are merely physical desire rather than true affection.
In this quote, Shakespeare explores the idea that certain expressions of love may not stem from genuine emotional connection but rather from physical attraction or desire. It contrasts the depth of true love with superficial urges that lack emotional substance, emphasizing the distinction between genuine feelings and mere physical appetites.
Themes
LoveDesireEmotionAppetiteConnection
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the difference between physical attraction and true love.
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