Shakespeare Quote by John Irving
““It's Shakespearean, Bill; lots of the important stuff in Shakespeare happens offstage - you just hear about it.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Cider House Rules, 1985
Much of Shakespeare's crucial action occurs offstage, leaving audiences to infer its significance.
In simple terms: Key events happen offstage, requiring imagination.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to what is unsaid.
Themes
literature
theatre
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
critical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- reading Shakespeare
- writing drama
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
dramatic irony
subtext
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you infer meaning from what is not shown?
- What does offstage drama reveal about characters?
A Different Perspective
Offstage action may be missed without careful listening.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
