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How slow This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires, Like…

“How slow This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires, Like to a stepdame, or a dowager, Long withering out a young man's revenue.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“How slow This old moon wanes! she lingers my desires, Like to a stepdame, or a dowager, Long withering out a young man's revenue.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

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

The waning moon mirrors lingering desire, likened to an aging woman clinging to youthful wealth, reflecting unfulfilled longing.

In simple terms: Moon’s decline reflects unfulfilled desire.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and release stagnant longings.

Themes

desire aging time unfulfilled longing metaphor

Mood

melancholic poetic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • creative writing
  • relationship counseling
  • art analysis

Key Concepts

literature psychology symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the “old moon” symbolize for you?
  • How can you transform lingering desire into action?
A Different Perspective

Metaphor may obscure literal meaning.

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