O brave new world, that has such people in't! William Shakespeare Quotation The Jacobean era (early 17th century) England 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning This quote is often interpreted as a mix of wonderment and irony. Miranda, who has lived isolated on an island, is expressing amazement at seeing new people for the first time. However, Shakespeare uses this phrase with a layer of irony because the audience knows the complexities and darker sides of these characters that Miranda is unaware of, highlighting the gap between innocence and experience. Allegory This image includes a young woman on a tropical island, embodying Miranda's innocence and awe at the new arrivals. The lush island with exotic plants symbolizes the setting of discovery and wonder. The elaborately dressed strangers represent the new world that Miranda is encountering, and the long, dark shadows they cast symbolize the irony and deeper complexities of human nature. This representation helps illustrate the dual nature of the phrase, capturing both the beauty of discovery and the potential for underlying darkness. Applicability In everyday life, this phrase can be used both sincerely and ironically. Sincerely, it might express genuine amazement at encountering new and fascinating people or experiences. Ironically, it can be utilized to comment on the often disappointing or flawed nature of humanity, despite initial expectations. Impact This phrase has had a significant cultural impact, symbolizing themes of discovery and the confrontation between innocence and worldliness. It's frequently referenced in literature, including in Aldous Huxley's dystopian novel "Brave New World," which uses the phrase ironically to comment on a highly controlled society. The phrase has become synonymous with optimism tempered with an understanding of human flaws. Historical Context "The Tempest" was written around 1610-1611, towards the end of Shakespeare's career, during the Jacobean era. The historical context includes the Age of Exploration, when Europe was encountering new worlds and cultures, which is echoed in the themes of discovery and wonder in the play. Criticisms Some criticisms and controversies surrounding this phrase involve its idealistic view of human nature, which can be seen as naive. Critics argue that it glosses over the darker realities of human behavior, as is evident in "The Tempest," where the characters Miranda marvels at are far from perfect. Variations There are not many variations of this specific phrase, though interpretations of it can vary by context. For instance, in a utopian vision, it might be seen as hopeful, while in a dystopian context, it can be darkly ironic. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments The golden age is before us, not behind us. Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. William Shakespeare Read more Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll Read more Now is the winter of our discontent. William Shakespeare Read more Brevity is the soul of wit. William Shakespeare Read more Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. William Shakespeare Read more O, had I but followed the arts! William Shakespeare Read more A little more than kin, and less than kind. William Shakespeare Read more But, for my own part, it was Greek to me. William Shakespeare Read more Out, out brief candle! William Shakespeare Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create Account button will send you a verification email and close this window. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. William Shakespeare Read more