“I never see thy face but I think upon hell-fire.”
- 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
“I never see thy face but I think upon hell-fire.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew expresses the intense anger and resentment the speaker feels toward the person they are addressing. “I never see thy face” refers to encountering someone, and “but I think upon hell-fire” suggests that the mere sight of that person triggers thoughts of punishment or torment, symbolized here by hell-fire—a common metaphor for intense suffering or damnation. The quote reflects a deep-seated hatred or displeasure that the speaker feels toward the person, so much so that their presence brings to mind something as extreme as eternal punishment.
In modern contexts, this quote might be used to describe someone who feels extreme anger or disgust toward another person, to the point that their mere presence or even their face provokes feelings of intense emotional distress. It could apply to a person who has caused significant harm or offense, and whose actions continue to stir negative emotions whenever they are seen or thought of. This quote might also be relevant in situations where someone is deeply hurt or betrayed, and the sight of the person who caused the pain is a constant reminder of that grief or resentment.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the power of negative emotions like anger and resentment, and how they can shape our reactions to others. It reminds us that unresolved conflict or hurt can lead to intense emotional responses, and encourages reflection on how we address and resolve negative feelings in our relationships with others.
