“Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Teach not thy lip such scorn, for it was made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew uses a combination of humor and tenderness to criticize the speaker’s love interest for displaying disdain or scorn in her expression. “Teach not thy lip such scorn” suggests that the way she is using her lips—perhaps in a mocking or disrespectful manner—should be corrected, as lips are meant for more pleasant purposes. The second part, “for it was made for kissing, lady, not for such contempt,” humorously reminds her that the lips were made for affectionate and loving gestures (like kissing), not for showing disrespect or contempt. The playful tone of this line is meant to gently chide her for her attitude, while also expressing affection.
In modern contexts, this quote could apply to situations where someone is using their words or actions to express disdain rather than kindness. It highlights how negative attitudes or disrespect can be a misplacement of the potential for warmth, affection, or connection. For example, when people act dismissively or mockingly, this quote suggests that such actions are a misuse of their ability to express love, care, and respect.
This quote also subtly suggests that love and affection should be nurtured with respect and kindness. Rather than letting anger or scorn dominate one’s expressions, the quote encourages the use of one’s voice and gestures for more positive purposes, such as loving communication and affectionate interactions. It serves as a reminder of the power of kindness in relationships, and how gentle correction can lead to a more harmonious connection.
