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
Petruchio: Come, come, you wasp; i' faith, you are too angry. Katherine: If I be waspish, best beware my sting. Petruchio: My remedy is then, to pluck it out. Katherine: Ay, if the fool could find where it lies. Petruchio: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail. Katherine: In his tongue. Petruchio: Whose tongue? Katherine: Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell. Petruchio: What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the playful yet contentious dynamic between two characters, highlighting the interplay of wit and tension in relationships.
In this exchange from Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew,' Petruchio and Katherine engage in a clever battle of words that reveals their contrasting personalities. Petruchio's teasing nature is met with Katherine's sharp retorts, showcasing how communication can serve both to bond and to provoke in intimate relationships. The use of metaphors like 'wasp' and 'sting' emphasizes the idea that words can be weapons or means of affection, revealing the complexity of their interaction.
Themes
RelationshipsCommunicationWitPlayfulTension
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion about the dynamics of love and conflict in any relationship seminar.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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