Dove Quote by William Shakespeare
““O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear - Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 Scene 2 (Shakespeare, 1597)
The speaker praises a woman's beauty as surpassing even the brightest torches, comparing her to a precious jewel and a dove among crows, highlighting her rarity and value.
In simple terms: She is extraordinarily beautiful and rare.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate unique beauty.
Themes
beauty
rarity
admiration
Mood
awe
admiration
Type
literary
poetic
When to use this quote
- courtship
- poetic description
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
poetry
metaphor
comparative imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hyperbolic praise affect perception?
- What makes a person seem uniquely valuable?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may exaggerate, making the praise seem unrealistic.
