Skip to content

Child Quote by William Shakespeare

“How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
“How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: King Lear, Act 1, Scene 4, 1605

A thankless child feels like a painful, biting wound, highlighting the emotional toll of ingratitude.

In simple terms: Ungrateful children hurt like a serpent's tooth.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address ingratitude early.

Themes

family pain gratitude

Mood

sad reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • family gatherings
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

emotional injury parental expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does ingratitude affect family dynamics?
  • Can forgiveness heal this pain?
A Different Perspective

A child may change with time and guidance.

4.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,604 William Shakespeare quotes

More Child quotes

Browse all 10,700 Child quotes