Despise Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“With the single exception of Homer, there is no eminent writer, not even Sir Walter Scott, whom I can despise so entirely as I despise Shakespeare when I measure my mind against his. . . . It would positively be a relief to me to dig him up and throw stones at him.”
About This Quote
Shaw expresses a deep, personal disdain for Shakespeare, feeling his own intellect cannot measure up to Shakespeare's, leading to a desire to symbolically 'dig him up' and criticize him.
In simple terms: Intellectual rivalry with Shakespeare
Key Takeaway
Shakespeare's dominance can provoke strong negative reactions
Themes
Literary criticism
Ego and self-comparison
Cultural canon
Personal taste
Intellectual humility
Mood
Irritation
Contempt
Reflective
Type
Opinion
Critique
Reflection
When to use this quote
- Academic debate about classic authors
- Personal reflection on artistic influence
- Discussions on literary can
- Creative writing workshops
- Philosophical essays on taste
Key Concepts
Shakespeare's legacy
Shaw's self-perception
Literary hierarchy
Critique of reverence
Practical Applications
- Analyzing personal bias in literary criticism
- Teaching critical thinking about cultural icons
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does Shakespeare evoke such strong feelings in some readers?
- How does personal ego shape our judgments of great works?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that Shakespeare's universal appeal outweighs individual dislike, suggesting that personal bias should not diminish his contributions.
