Beauty Too Rich For Use For Earth Too Dear Meaning
“Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear”, is a line from Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. This quote has been interpreted in various ways, but its core meaning is that there are things in life that are too beautiful, too valuable, and too precious to be used or possessed. In this article, we will explore the concept of beauty too rich for use for earth too dear meaning, its origin, and its relevance in today’s world.
Origin of the Quote
The quote comes from Act III, Scene 1 of Hamlet. In this scene, Ophelia, who is in love with Hamlet, is speaking with her father, Polonius. She tells him that Hamlet had come to her in a disheveled state, with his shirt open and his stockings down. He had looked at her with a sad expression and then left without saying a word. Polonius, thinking that Hamlet is mad with love, concludes that Ophelia’s rejection has driven him to madness.
It is then that Ophelia utters the line, “O, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown! / The courtier’s, soldier’s, scholar’s, eye, tongue, sword, / Th’ expectancy and rose of the fair state, / The glass of fashion and the mold of form, / Th’ observed of all observers, quite, quite down! / And I, of ladies most deject and wretched, / That sucked the honey of his music vows, / Now see that noble and most sovereign reason, / Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh; / That unmatched form and feature of blown youth / Blasted with ecstasy. O, woe is me / T’ have seen what I have seen, see what I see!”
The line, “Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear”, is part of Ophelia’s lamentation for the loss of Hamlet’s noble character and beauty. It expresses the idea that some things are too beautiful and valuable to be used or possessed.
Interpretation of the Quote
The meaning of the quote has been interpreted in various ways, depending on the context in which it is used. Some interpretations suggest that the line refers to the idea that some things are too precious to be destroyed or consumed. For example, a beautiful flower may be too valuable to be picked or trampled upon. Similarly, a work of art may be too valuable to be sold or destroyed.
Other interpretations suggest that the line refers to the idea that some things are too beautiful to be appreciated by mortal beings. For example, the beauty of the heavens or the beauty of the divine may be too rich for human senses to comprehend. In this sense, the quote suggests that some things are beyond human understanding.
Relevance in Today’s World
The concept of beauty too rich for use for earth too dear meaning has continued to be relevant in today’s world. In an age where consumerism and materialism are rampant, the idea that some things are too valuable to be consumed or possessed is an important reminder of the need to appreciate and preserve the beauty that surrounds us.
Moreover, the quote reminds us of the need to recognize the value of intangible things such as love, friendship, and kindness. These things are often undervalued in a world that places more emphasis on material possessions. However, they are the things that truly enrich our lives and make them worth living.
In conclusion, the quote, “Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear”, is a powerful reminder of the value of beauty and the importance of preserving it. It reminds us that some things are too precious to be consumed or possessed and that their true value lies in their beauty and their intangibility. As we go through life, we should strive to appreciate and preserve the beauty that surrounds us, and to recognize the value of the intangible things that truly enrich our lives.