Forbear sharp speeches to her; she's a lady, so tender of rebukes that words are strokes, and strokes death to her

Forbear sharp speeches to her; she's a lady, so tender of rebukes that words are strokes, and strokes death to her

In the world of William Shakespeare, the power of words is often emphasized as a force to be reckoned with. In his plays, characters frequently use sharp speeches to convey their emotions, intentions, and desires. However, in the quote “Forbear sharp speeches to her; she's a lady, so tender of rebukes that words are strokes, and strokes death to her,” Shakespeare highlights the delicate nature of a woman's emotions and the impact that harsh words can have on her.

The quote comes from the play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," where the character Valentine warns his friend Proteus to be careful with his words when speaking to his love interest, Silvia. Valentine recognizes that Silvia is a lady who is sensitive to criticism and rebukes, and that harsh words can have a devastating effect on her. He likens words to strokes, implying that they can be just as harmful as physical blows to Silvia.

This quote reflects the societal norms and expectations of Shakespeare's time, where women were often expected to be meek, gentle, and submissive. Women were seen as fragile creatures who needed to be protected from harsh words and actions. In this context, the quote serves as a reminder to treat women with kindness, respect, and understanding.

Furthermore, the quote also speaks to the power of language and the impact that words can have on a person's emotions and well-being. In Shakespeare's plays, words are often used as weapons to manipulate, deceive, and hurt others. The quote serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of using words carelessly and the importance of considering the feelings of others before speaking.

Overall, Shakespeare's quote “Forbear sharp speeches to her; she's a lady, so tender of rebukes that words are strokes, and strokes death to her” highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and sensitivity in our interactions with others, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. It serves as a timeless reminder to choose our words carefully and to treat others with kindness and respect.