Acting Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“There is one way by which a strolling player may be ever secure of success; that is, in our theatrical way of expressing it, to make a great deal of the character. To speak and act as in common life is not playing, nor is it what people come to see; natural speaking, like sweet wine, runs glibly over the palate and scarcely leaves any taste behind it; but being high in a part resembles vinegar, which grates upon the taste, and one feels it while he is drinking.”
About This Quote
Source Play: She Stoops to Conquer, 1773
An actor should fully embody a character, delivering a vivid, authentic performance rather than a bland, naturalistic one.
In simple terms: Deep immersion creates memorable theater.
Key Takeaway
Commit fully to your role.
Themes
theatre
acting
authenticity
performance
craft
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theatrical
educational
insight
When to use this quote
- stage performance
- acting workshops
- directorial guidance
- audience feedback
Key Concepts
method acting
character immersion
audience impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How does authenticity affect audience engagement?
- When is subtlety more effective than intensity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on intensity may alienate some viewers.
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
