Banished Quote by William Shakespeare
“Hadst thou no poison mixed, no sharp-ground knife, No sudden mean of death, though ne'er so mean, But 'banished' to kill me--'banished'? O friar, the damned use that word in hell; Howling attends it! How hast thou the heart, Being a divine, a ghostly confessor, A sin-absolver, and my friend professed, To mangle me with that word 'banished'?”
About This Quote
Source Play: Hamlet, Act III, Scene 1 (1599)
The word “banished” is a cruel punishment, echoing Hell’s torments, and the speaker feels betrayed by a friend’s harsh judgment.
In simple terms: Being banished feels like a hellish punishment.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the weight of words.
Themes
betrayal
punishment
friendship
spiritual torment
Mood
tragic
reflective
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court intrigue
- personal exile
- religious condemnation
- psychological torment
Key Concepts
semantic power
psychological impact
moral conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What words have hurt you deeply?
- How can you respond to harsh judgment?
A Different Perspective
Words can inflict deeper wounds than physical harm.
