“Men are April when they woo, December when they wed. Maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives.”
- 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
“Men are April when they woo, December when they wed. Maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s As You Like It uses the symbolism of seasons to contrast the changing nature of men and women in the context of love and marriage. The phrase “Men are April when they woo” suggests that men are full of warmth, energy, and charm when they are courting or pursuing someone, much like the pleasant, hopeful weather of April. However, “December when they wed” indicates that once men are married, their behavior may become colder, more distant, or less passionate, akin to the cold, dreary month of December. On the other hand, “Maids are May when they are maids” compares women to the fresh, vibrant, and youthful energy of May when they are unmarried, representing youth, beauty, and potential. However, the phrase “the sky changes when they are wives” suggests that women’s roles or behavior also shift after marriage, perhaps indicating the change from innocence to responsibility, or from freedom to commitment.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the idealized and sometimes romanticized notions of love and marriage. It reflects how romantic relationships can be full of excitement and intensity during courtship (the April phase), but the dynamics can change once the commitment of marriage is made (the December phase). The reference to maidenhood being like May and the change after marriage may reflect societal expectations placed on women, where the transition into marriage can bring both personal and social changes.
Ultimately, this quote uses seasonal metaphors to emphasize the transitory nature of love and marriage, suggesting that both men and women may experience shifts in behavior or identity once they enter the different phases of a romantic relationship. It speaks to the way that expectations and reality may not always align in matters of love, and that both courtship and marriage can bring about significant changes in personal dynamics.
