Music Quote by William Shakespeare
““I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe? GUILDENSTERN: My lord, I cannot. HAMLET: I pray you. GUILDENSTERN: Believe me, I cannot. HAMLET: I do beseech you. GUILDENSTERN: I know no touch of it, my lord. HAMLET: It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with our fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops. GUILDENSTERN: But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony. I have not the skill. HAMLET: Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me, you would seem to know my stops, you would pluck out the heart of my mystery, you would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass, and there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak. 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Hamlet, Act III, Scene II, 1601
Hamlet compares his feelings to a musical instrument, demanding others not to manipulate him lightly.
In simple terms: Hamlet feels vulnerable to being used.
Key Takeaway
Guard your emotional boundaries.
Themes
vulnerability
manipulation
self‑assertion
Mood
frustrated
defiant
reflective
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal conflict
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
metaphor
power dynamics
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel others try to “play” you?
- How can you assert agency without alienating?
A Different Perspective
He may be over‑estimating his control over others.
![“Downloading's the same as what I used to do. I used to tape the charts of the songs I liked [off the radio]. I don't mind it. I hate all these big, silly rock stars who moan. At least they're fuckin' downloading your music, you cunt, and paying attention, know what I mean? You should fuckin'…” quote by Liam Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/liam-gallagher-12691_liam-gallagher_downloading-s-the-same-as-what-i-used-to_369.jpg)
