Animal Quote by William Shakespeare
“Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar? And the creature run from the cur. There thou mightst behold the great image of authority-a dog's obeyed in office.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Comedy of Errors, Act 2, Scene 3, 1594
A humorous comparison of a dog’s obedience to a bureaucrat’s authority, critiquing blind obedience.
In simple terms: Dog obeys, so do officials.
Key Takeaway
Question authority that follows orders without thought.
Themes
authority
obedience
satire
social hierarchy
political critique
Mood
witty
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace dynamics
- government policy
- education settings
- public administration
Key Concepts
political satire
animal metaphor
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- When is obedience justified?
- How does satire reveal power structures?
A Different Perspective
Humor may soften the seriousness of the critique.
