Skip to content

Knock Cried Quote by William Shakespeare

“Yes, madam: yet I cannot choose but laugh, To think it should leave crying and say 'Ay.' And yet, I warrant, it had upon its brow A bump as big as a young cockerel's stone; A parlous knock; and it cried bitterly: 'Yea,' quoth my husband,'fall'st upon thy face? Thou wilt fall backward when thou…” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
““Yes, madam: yet I cannot choose but laugh, To think it should leave crying and say 'Ay.' And yet, I warrant, it had upon its brow A bump as big as a young cockerel's stone; A parlous knock; and it cried bitterly: 'Yea,' quoth my husband,'fall'st upon thy face? Thou wilt fall backward when thou comest to age; Wilt thou not, Jule?' it stinted and said 'Ay.””

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

The speaker reflects on the absurdity of aging and the inevitable decline, juxtaposing laughter with sorrow to highlight life's paradoxes.

In simple terms: Aging is both comic and tragic.

Key Takeaway

Life's contradictions become clearer with age.

Themes

mortality humor paradox inevitability human condition

Mood

melancholic wry thoughtful

Type

aphoristic dramatic contemplative

When to use this quote

  • contemplating personal aging
  • discussing life's ironies
  • reflecting on generational change

Key Concepts

aging contradiction laughter sorrow

Practical Applications

  • philosophical essays on aging
  • creative writing exploring paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humor change our perception of decline?
  • What does the 'bump' symbolize in life's journey?
4.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,607 William Shakespeare quotes