Original artwork, not a still
Hamlet · 1602
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; and thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry And lose the name of action.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Hamlet says that reflection and conscience weaken resolve, turning important undertakings away from action. In the surrounding speech fear of what follows death contributes to this hesitation; the sweeping claim belongs to the dramatic speaker rather than proving that thought is always cowardly.
Sources (1)
- Folger Shakespeare Library: HamletHamlet, 3.1Reference checked
Context reviewed
