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Tis not the wholesome sharp mortality, Or modest anger of…

“Tis not the wholesome sharp mortality, Or modest anger of a satiric spirit, That hurts or wounds the body of a state, But the sinister application Of the malicious, ignorant, and base Interpreter; who will distort and strain The general scope and purpose of an author To his particular and private…” quote by Ben Jonson
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“Tis not the wholesome sharp mortality, Or modest anger of a satiric spirit, That hurts or wounds the body of a state, But the sinister application Of the malicious, ignorant, and base Interpreter; who will distort and strain The general scope and purpose of an author To his particular and private spleen.”

Ben Jonson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage critiques how a biased interpreter twists an author's intent, turning literature into a tool for personal agenda rather than truth.

In simple terms: Distorted interpretation harms original meaning.

Key Takeaway

Guard against biased readings.

Themes

interpretation bias authorial intent

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • politics
  • education
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

literary criticism political manipulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we identify bias?
  • Can multiple readings coexist?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations can also reveal hidden layers.

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