Gates Quote by William Shakespeare
“The gates of monarchs Are arched so high that giants may jet through And keep their impious turbans on without Good morrow to the sun.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2, 1611
The line describes grand gates built for monarchs, so tall that even giants can pass, while their foolish followers remain unchanged.
In simple terms: Grand structures serve the powerful, but the foolish stay the same.
Recognize when grandiosity masks stagnation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political ceremonies
- urban planning
- cultural rituals
- leadership displays
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What structures in your life seem impressive but hide underlying foolishness?
- How do you differentiate true grandeur from empty display?
The metaphor may be obscure without context.