I have this quote from Hamlet, but I have no clue what it means.
""We are oft to blame in this,
'Tis too much proved, that with devotion's visage
And pious action we do sugar o'er
The devil himself.""
thank you in advance!
2007-03-09 16:51:53 · 11 answers · asked by J.Fang 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
I think this means:
It is common human behavior, and happens all the time, that when we are devoted to someone's appearance and sweet deeds, we overlook their not-so-nice actual intents or self.
2007-03-09 16:55:35 · answer #1 · answered by MissDixie 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The following is opinion.
Polonius is probably saying that it can be too often observed that people will cover over their terrible actions (the devil himself) with the appearance of morality or good. He may also be talking specifically about the appearance of piousness in a religious sense (from the words pious and devotion).
I believe this makes the most sense given the context.
2007-03-09 22:38:30 · answer #2 · answered by racecar0 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means that sometimes we think we are "holy" or spiritual because of the numerous devotional and pious actions we accomplish (e.g. going to church, praying, giving alms, receiving the sacraments) but piety are mere actions and not "true spirituality"; and we are to blame because we often associate these rituals with being spiritual and these practice makes the devil happy (sugar over) because our true spiritual quest is off the tract. The true quest is to LOVE while doing these rituals., and to concentrate more on truly caring for people.
2007-03-09 17:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that this quote is saying that we trick or fool ourselves into believing something that isn't true, regardless of the facts that may make our claim false. It is a person being devoted to a cause or blinded by love that often leads to this behavior.
I hope this helps you- I am an English teacher with a special love of Shakespeare. KA
2007-03-09 17:10:16 · answer #4 · answered by KA 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We blame too easily, and we all know that if you are devoted to some one you will sugar coat their actions even if they act as the devil.
2007-03-09 16:55:38 · answer #5 · answered by Heather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL, it could cover most any politician in my opinion, if I am reading it right.
Basically, I think it is saying:
Were to blame.
It's been proven, that if you act noble, and appear humble, you can sweet talk or convince the devil himself.
I never took Shakespeare :)
2007-03-09 16:59:41 · answer #6 · answered by Akuji 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the answers, though worded differently hit the nail squarely on the head. All I can offer is another variant of implied interpretation. To all of your answers so far, wow.
2007-03-09 17:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by eks_spurt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, this is what I get out of it. Could be right, could be wrong...
We don't need the devils help in doing wrong things... Our actions that we do everyday speak for themselves and do his job for him.
2007-03-09 16:55:44 · answer #8 · answered by skulptr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can cover up the worst sins and crimes with fake religious pretenses and promises.
2007-03-09 16:56:01 · answer #9 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i interpret it as we think we can overcome our vices and demons with half assed public acts that we think will turn us into good people
2007-03-09 16:57:32 · answer #10 · answered by nonphysical 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋