Cannot Quote by Virginia Postrel
“In Shakespeare's world, characters cannot trust their senses. Is the ghost in Hamlet true and truthful, or is it a demon, tempting young Hamlet into murderous sin? Is Juliet dead or merely sleeping? Does Lear really stand at the edge of a great cliff? Or has the Fool deceived him to save his life?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Possible, Virginia Postrel, 2005
Shakespeare’s characters often confront unreliable perceptions, blurring reality and illusion, prompting doubt about truth and motives.
In simple terms: Perception is unreliable in Shakespeare.
Key Takeaway
Question appearances.
Themes
literature
perception
truth
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theatre analysis
- reading comprehension
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
dramatic irony
psychology
trust
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives characters to distrust their senses?
- How does doubt shape their decisions?
A Different Perspective
Characters may be misled by their own biases.
