Beastly Quote by William Shakespeare
“Tam: What begg’st thou then? fond woman, let me go. Lav: ’Tis present death I beg; and one thing more That womanhood denies my tongue to tell. O! keep me from their worse than killing lust, And tumble me into some loathsome pit, Where never man’s eye may behold my body: Do this, and be a charitable murderer. Tam: So should I rob my sweet sons of their fee: No, let them satisfy their lust on thee. Dem: Away! for thou hast stay’d us here too long. Lav: No grace! no womanhood! Ah, beastly creature, The blot and enemy to our general name. Confusion fall—”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tragedy of Tam and Lav (excerpt), 1600s
A desperate plea to escape a fate worse than death, seeking death over dishonor and exploitation.
In simple terms: Seeking death to avoid worse suffering.
Key Takeaway
Choose dignity over unbearable suffering.
Themes
honor
desperation
gender
violence
Mood
despair
urgency
tragic
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war
- abuse
- psychological trauma
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
existential dread
agency
social constraints
Questions to Reflect On
- What does honor mean when survival is at stake?
- Can one refuse exploitation without self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
The request for death may conflict with moral or legal prohibitions.
![“Well, it seems like a miracle to be able to look forward-to-to see all the minutes in front of one come hopping along with something marvellous in them, instead of just[Pg 295] saying, Well, that one didn't actually hurt and the next may be quite bearable if only something beastly doesn't come…” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fc4/dorothy-l-sayers-738_able_well-it-seems-like-a-miracle-to-be-able_244103.jpg)
