“I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano; A stage where every man must play a part, And mine is a sad one.”
- 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 hold the world but as the world, Gratiano; A stage where every man must play a part, And mine is a sad one.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice reflects the speaker’s view of life as a performance, with everyone playing their respective roles on the stage of the world. “I hold the world but as the world” suggests that the speaker sees life not as something deeply personal or meaningful, but rather as a temporary and theatrical experience—a place where people come and go, each fulfilling their own role or destiny. The phrase “a stage where every man must play a part” implies that life, like a play, requires everyone to take on different roles, whether they are happy, tragic, or neutral. The speaker then adds, “And mine is a sad one,” acknowledging that their role, or the life they must live, is marked by sorrow or misfortune.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the inevitability of human experience—that life, much like a play, is filled with a variety of emotions and circumstances, and each person’s journey is shaped by different roles and experiences. Some people experience joy, others pain, and some face challenges that define their personal journey. This perspective also highlights a sense of resignation or acceptance in the face of life’s challenges, as the speaker seems to acknowledge that their fate is part of the larger human condition.
Ultimately, this quote explores the idea of life as a performance, where each individual plays their part—sometimes with joy, sometimes with sorrow—and that our personal struggles are an inherent part of the broader experience of being human. It serves as a reminder that life’s difficulties and joys are all part of the roles we must play, encouraging reflection on how we navigate our own unique parts in the larger narrative of life.
