Shakespeare on War. 20 Quotes
Abuse of power and mass suffering
Year after year, century after century, we see that war serves as the refuge of inept leadership.
If we do not learn from history, we remain vulnerable to repeating it decade after decade, century after century.
Revered English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare (born 23 April 1564 - 23 April 1616) spells out in graphic and insightful language the horror and violence of war as an outcome of abuse of power.
He points out violence and war trigger suffering at every level - emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. Abuse of power leads to cycles of mass suffering ignoring alternatives to war through moral values, justice and compassion.
20 Quotes by Shakespeare on War
1. War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
Julius Caesar
The victors dictate terms to the defeated.
2. In war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes.
Julius Caesar
This reflects how wars often begin due to insignificant reasons.
3. Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war.
Julius Caesar
This quote evokes the chaos and fury unleashed in war.
4. The cannons have their bowels full of wrath.
King John
The destructive power of weapons.
5. Your breath first kindled the dead coal of wars and brought in matter that should feed this fire; And now 'tis far too huge to be blown out with that same weak wind which enkindled it.
King John
Once started, wars easily escalate beyond control.
6. From camp to camp through the foul womb of night The hum of either army stilly sounds.
Henry V
Night before the battle emphasizing the tension between armies.
7. Blow, wind! come, wrack! At least we’ll die with harness on our back.
Macbeth
A fatalistic view. Some soldiers might prefer to die in battle rather than retreat.
8. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man / As modest stillness and humility; / But when the blast of war blows in our ears, / Then imitate the action of the tiger.
Henry V (Act 3, Scene 1)
Ferocity of fighting.
9. The game's afoot: / Follow your spirit, and upon this charge / Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!
Henry V* (Act 3, Scene 1)
Rallying cry to to appeal to nationalism before the Battle of Agincourt.
War, thou son of hell, / Whom angry heavens do make their minister.Henry VI, Part 2* (Act 5, Scene 2)
Destructive force of war and claims of war as divine punishment for the other side.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.
Henry IV, Part 2* (Act 3, Scene 1)
Burdens and anxieties of wielding power,.
12. Abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power."
Julius Caesar* (Act 2, Scene 1)
Brutus speaks about how power can corrupt if separated from compassion
13.Power is the most persuasive rhetoric."
Coriolanus (Act 2, Scene 3)
Power often speaks louder than words, through force rather than reason.
The blood of English shall manure the ground.
Henry V (Act 4, Scene 3)
Violent cost of war in the pursuit of power.
He is come to open the purple testament of bleeding war.
Macbeth
War is a bloody and violent revelation.
16. The quality of mercy is not strained; / It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven / Upon the place beneath.
The Merchant of Venice* (Act 4, Scene 1)
Contrasts mercy with the harshness of violence
O, it is excellent / To have a giant's strength, but it is tyrannous / To use it like a giant.
Measure for Measure* (Act 2, Scene 2)
Warning against the abuse of power
When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.
Hamlet* (Act 4, Scene 5)
King Claudius observes suffering often comes in overwhelming waves.
O, full of scorpions is my mind
Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 2)
Macbeth describes his mental anguish and torment due to his actions.
Blood will have blood.
Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 4)
One act of bloodshed inevitably leads to more suffering and retribution.
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN PEACE
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN HARMONY
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing. (Macbeth)
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