Application Quote by Ben Jonson
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Play: "The Alchemist" (1610) by Ben Jonson
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.
