“If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?”
- 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
“If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is delivered by Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, as he speaks about the shared humanity between Jews and Christians, despite the prejudices he faces. “If you prick us do we not bleed?” points out that, like all humans, Jews are vulnerable to pain and suffering, and their bodies respond the same way. “If you tickle us do we not laugh?” emphasizes that Jews, like anyone, are capable of experiencing joy and amusement. “If you poison us do we not die?” underscores the reality that Jews are subject to death and harm in the same way as anyone else. Finally, “And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?” asks whether Jews, when wronged, will not seek justice or revenge, just as anyone would react to injustice or harm.
In modern contexts, this quote is often interpreted as a call for equality and recognition of shared human experiences. It challenges the notion that one group of people is inherently different or less deserving of respect and dignity than another, particularly in situations of discrimination or prejudice. Shylock uses this argument to demand that, despite his differences in religion and culture, he is just as human as those who oppress him, and he deserves to be treated with the same respect and fairness.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the universal aspects of human nature, such as the ability to feel pain, joy, and the desire for justice. It calls for a reflection on the ways in which society often dehumanizes certain groups, urging us to remember that all people are subject to the same emotions and experiences, and should therefore be treated with the same dignity and respect. It also addresses the human need for retribution in the face of wrongs, asking whether people, regardless of their background, would not seek justice or revenge when harmed.
