How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!

How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!

The quote "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" is from William Shakespeare's play King Lear. This line is spoken by King Lear himself, who is expressing his deep sense of betrayal and disappointment towards his daughter, Goneril. The quote reflects the pain and anguish that a parent feels when their child is ungrateful and unappreciative of all the sacrifices and love that they have given.

In the play, King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on who loves him the most. Goneril and her sister Regan flatter their father with false declarations of love, while his youngest daughter Cordelia refuses to participate in the flattery. This leads to Lear disowning Cordelia and giving her share of the kingdom to her sisters. However, as the play progresses, Lear realizes the true nature of Goneril and Regan, who turn against him and treat him with cruelty and disrespect.

The quote "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" encapsulates the heartbreak and betrayal that Lear feels towards Goneril and Regan. The comparison to a serpent's tooth emphasizes the sharpness and pain of ingratitude from one's own child. It highlights the deep emotional wounds that can be inflicted by a child who fails to appreciate the love and sacrifices of their parents.

Shakespeare's exploration of the theme of ingratitude in King Lear resonates with audiences because it reflects a universal truth about human relationships. The pain of betrayal and ingratitude from a loved one, especially a child, is a deeply emotional and relatable experience. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of gratitude and appreciation in familial relationships, and the devastating consequences of taking love and kindness for granted.