Why, I can smile and murder whiles I smile,And cry 'content' to that which grieves my heart,And wet my cheeks with artificial tears,And frame my face for all occasions
In Shakespeare's "King Henry VI, Part 3," the speaker expresses a profound sense of duplicity. They suggest that it is possible to appear cheerful and composed while harboring deep internal turmoil. This duality highlights the theme of pretense in human emotion, where outward expressions can starkly contrast with inner feelings. The lines convey a chilling ability to mask true emotions for the sake of appearances. By stating they can "smile and murder" or shed "artificial tears," the character reveals their capacity for deceit and manipulation, underscoring the complexities of human nature and the facades individuals maintain in society. This intricate interplay between appearance and reality remains a relevant topic in literature and life.
In Shakespeare's "King Henry VI, Part 3," the speaker expresses a profound sense of duplicity. They suggest that it is possible to appear cheerful and composed while harboring deep internal turmoil. This duality highlights the theme of pretense in human emotion, where outward expressions can starkly contrast with inner feelings.
The lines convey a chilling ability to mask true emotions for the sake of appearances. By stating they can "smile and murder" or shed "artificial tears," the character reveals their capacity for deceit and manipulation, underscoring the complexities of human nature and the facades individuals maintain in society. This intricate interplay between appearance and reality remains a relevant topic in literature and life.
