A countenance more in sorrow than in anger

A countenance more in sorrow than in anger

In William Shakespeare's works, the phrase "a countenance more in sorrow than in anger" is often used to describe a character who is experiencing deep emotional turmoil. This phrase captures the complexity of human emotions and the internal struggles that characters face in Shakespeare's plays.

One of the most famous examples of this phrase can be found in Hamlet, where the titular character is described as having "a countenance more in sorrow than in anger." Throughout the play, Hamlet grapples with the death of his father, the betrayal of his mother, and the weight of avenging his father's murder. His inner turmoil is evident in his actions and his interactions with other characters, as he vacillates between feelings of grief, anger, and despair.

Another example of this phrase can be seen in Romeo and Juliet, where Juliet's father, Lord Capulet, is described as having "a countenance more in sorrow than in anger" when he discovers that Juliet has defied his wishes and married Romeo. Despite his anger at Juliet's disobedience, Lord Capulet is also deeply saddened by the rift that has formed between him and his daughter. His conflicting emotions are a testament to the complexity of familial relationships and the pain that can come from misunderstandings and miscommunications.