I know its from shakesspeare, but hear it used today, what does it mean?
2007-01-13 12:41:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
This is a quotation from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". Hamlet wonders whether he should simply endure the hardships of the situation he is in, or else take aggressive action to combat the problems. I think we would place the same interpretation on this quotation today. We could chose to suffer adversity, or take action to reverse it.
2007-01-13 13:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, Shakespeare's words today would mean something to the effect of "..should I become the martyr for a cause that's just and true; fight a worthy battle against a foe that has the means to keep me fighting until I have nothing but my last breath to give?.."
Those with outrageous fortune will try to silence you no matter how worthy your cause. But, those powerful foes cannot take away your choice to go down fighting and have your voice be heard.
Someone will hear you. Someone will admire your bravery. Even if that person does not suffer the slings and arrows along side or even right behind you, they will carry your torch and help you to inspire others to do the same.
In short, I believe Shakespeare was asking if fighting a fight you are seemingly bound to lose is even worth fighting. Where would David be if he had never challenged Goliath? (Whether it be true or untrue).
2015-07-01 20:45:43 · answer #2 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What does it mean, the term " to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" mean?
I know its from shakesspeare, but hear it used today, what does it mean?
2015-08-06 22:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1
To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
2007-01-13 18:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
term suffer slings arrows outrageous fortune
2016-01-28 05:16:28 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, although I'm not familiar with Shakespeare much myself, I'd guess it means "to suffer the consequences of unusually good/bad fortune". I say good/bad because I don't know in what context the quote's used. Nevertheless, I guess it could also mean "to suffer the jealousy of peers that are envious of your unusually good fortune". I'm completely stabbing in the dark here. Good luck.
2007-01-13 12:59:24 · answer #6 · answered by S. Reign 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means "to put up with all of the bad things life deals out."
2007-01-13 13:11:42 · answer #7 · answered by x q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to suffer all the hurts and disappointments of bad luck
2007-01-13 16:10:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means to put up with all the bullshit of life, assholes you work with , a fat wife..etc or to kill yourself and be done with all the pain
2014-04-27 19:20:37 · answer #9 · answered by blacbraun 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion... it means that if you are lucky.... you become a target...
2014-02-10 09:15:23 · answer #10 · answered by Robin & Lindsay M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋