All the other gifts appertinent to man, as the malice of this age shapes them, are not worth a gooseberry

All the other gifts appertinent to man, as the malice of this age shapes them, are not worth a gooseberry

In William Shakespeare's works, the theme of human nature and the corrupting influence of society is a prevalent one. The quote "All the other gifts appertinent to man, as the malice of this age shapes them, are not worth a gooseberry" speaks to the idea that in a world filled with deceit, greed, and malice, the virtues and gifts that make us human are devalued and rendered insignificant.

Shakespeare often explores the complexities of human nature in his plays, showcasing characters who are driven by ambition, jealousy, and revenge. In works such as "Macbeth" and "Othello," we see how the characters' flaws and weaknesses are exploited by the corrupt society in which they live. The quote can be interpreted as a commentary on how the values and virtues that should define us as human beings are overshadowed by the malice and corruption of the world around us.