“And why not death rather than living torment? To die is to be banish’d from myself; And Silvia is myself: banish’d from her Is self from self: a deadly banishment!”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“And why not death rather than living torment? To die is to be banish’d from myself; And Silvia is myself: banish’d from her Is self from self: a deadly banishment!”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona reflects the intense inner conflict and emotional turmoil of the speaker. “Why not death rather than living torment?” suggests that the speaker is grappling with the idea of choosing death over a life of suffering. The torment comes from being separated from Silvia, who represents the speaker’s sense of self. “To die is to be banish’d from myself” conveys that death, in this case, would not just be a physical end, but a loss of identity and essence, as the speaker views their very self as being inseparable from Silvia. “Banish’d from her is self from self: a deadly banishment!” underscores the notion that being separated from Silvia would feel like a complete loss of self, akin to banishment from one’s own identity—an emotional death in itself.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the devastating effects of love and loss, particularly when someone feels their sense of self-worth or identity is deeply tied to another person. This could be interpreted in terms of romantic relationships where one partner’s absence or rejection feels like a loss of identity, leading to feelings of despair and disorientation. For example, individuals in emotionally intense relationships might feel as though their happiness and identity are so closely tied to their partner that any separation feels like losing a part of themselves.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the connection between love and identity. It illustrates the depth of emotional attachment and the pain that comes from feeling incomplete without the presence of a loved one. The speaker’s distress underscores the human need for connection and how the absence of that connection can feel like a devastating loss of self. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact relationships can have on one’s sense of self, and the emotional vulnerability that comes with loving someone deeply.
