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O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she…

“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear - Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.” quote by William Shakespeare
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““O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear - Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.””

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 speaker praises a woman's beauty as surpassing even the brightest torches, comparing her to a precious jewel and a dove among crows, highlighting her rarity and value.

In simple terms: She is extraordinarily beautiful and rare.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate unique beauty.

Themes

beauty rarity admiration

Mood

awe admiration

Type

literary poetic

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • poetic description
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

poetry metaphor comparative imagery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does hyperbolic praise affect perception?
  • What makes a person seem uniquely valuable?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may exaggerate, making the praise seem unrealistic.

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