“Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath any honesty in him.”
- 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
“Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath any honesty in him.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is spoken by the character Shylock, who, in the context of the play, is trying to emphasize his sense of justice and humanity. The phrase “I would not hang a dog by my will” suggests that the speaker believes in mercy and would never take such an extreme action as hanging even a dog, which is often seen as a lowly or less valued creature. However, the phrase “much more a man who hath any honesty in him” makes it clear that the speaker would certainly never harm a man who possesses honesty or integrity. Shylock is attempting to convey that while he might be perceived as harsh, he still holds a moral line when it comes to dealing with people who possess virtue.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea of justice and human decency. It suggests that even someone who might seem hard-hearted or ruthless can still recognize and respect honesty and integrity in others. It also raises the issue of how we define fairness and punishment—Shylock is trying to distance himself from being perceived as cruel while justifying his actions based on the moral character of the person involved. In situations where people may be harshly judged or accused, this quote could remind us that mercy should be shown, especially to those who show honesty and good intentions.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the complexity of justice and the importance of moral integrity in the process of decision-making. It suggests that true fairness is not about indiscriminately punishing, but about recognizing the virtue and humanity in others, even in difficult or adversarial situations.
