Skip to content

Hares Quote by William Shakespeare

“They that have voice of lions and act of hares,--are they not monsters?” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
“They that have voice of lions and act of hares,--are they not monsters?”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

The line questions whether those who speak boldly like lions but act timidly like hares are, in fact, monstrous contradictions.

In simple terms: Bold words paired with weak deeds create a monster.

Key Takeaway

Incongruity between speech and action is monstrous.

Themes

hypocrisy courage identity language moral judgment

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

philosophical observation moral critique

When to use this quote

  • politicians promising reform but stalling
  • leaders who claim bravery but avoid risk
  • social media influencers with grand rhetoric but no follow‑through

Key Concepts

psychology of self‑presentation social perception

Practical Applications

  • align rhetoric with concrete actions
  • evaluate claims by observable behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you seen bold speech fail to translate into action?
  • What factors cause the gap between words and deeds?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may over‑simplify complex motives, labeling nuanced behavior as 'monster' without nuance.

4.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,604 William Shakespeare quotes

More Hares quotes

Browse all 134 Hares quotes