Dreams Quote by William Shakespeare
““Between the acting of a dreadful thing And the first motion, all the interim is Like a phantasm or a hideous dream. The genius and the moral instruments Are then in council, and the state of a man, Like to a little kingdom, suffers then The nature of an insurrection.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry V, Act II, Scene 2
Before a terrible act, the mind experiences a surreal, dream‑like pause where conscience and ambition clash.
In simple terms: A dreadful act feels like a nightmare before it begins.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the inner conflict before acting.
Themes
morality
inner turmoil
anticipation
Mood
dramatic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- making tough choices
- political decisions
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
psychological tension
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner voices rise before a hard decision?
- How can you honor both conscience and ambition?
A Different Perspective
The pause may be ignored, leading to rash deeds.
