The quote reflects on the fleeting nature of life and human experiences, suggesting that if the heart truly had a choice, it would prioritize empathy. However, war, death, and illness often interrupt this desire, rendering moments ephemeral and insubstantial. Shakespeare paints a picture of life’s transience, likening it to a mere sound, shadow, or dream that slips away before one can grasp it.
Moreover, the comparison of bright experiences to lightning in a storm underscores their brilliance and brevity. It speaks to the inevitability of darkness consuming these moments, illustrating a universal truth: beautiful things can vanish in an instant, leaving only confusion in their wake. This acknowledgment of life's impermanence is a poignant theme in Shakespeare's work.