It is a defect of God's humour that he directs our hearts everywhere but to those who have a right to them

It is a defect of God's humour that he directs our hearts everywhere but to those who have a right to them

Tom Stoppard, the renowned playwright known for his wit and clever wordplay, often explores complex themes such as love, fate, and the nature of existence in his works. One of his most famous quotes, “It is a defect of God's humour that he directs our hearts everywhere but to those who have a right to them,” encapsulates the bittersweet irony that often pervades his plays.

In Stoppard’s plays, characters frequently find themselves in situations where their hearts lead them astray, causing them to fall in love with the wrong person or pursue unattainable desires. This theme is particularly evident in plays like "Arcadia" and "The Real Thing," where characters grapple with the complexities of love and relationships.

The idea that God’s sense of humor is flawed, leading us to love those who do not reciprocate our feelings or who are otherwise unavailable, speaks to the universal experience of unrequited love and the pain that often accompanies it. Stoppard’s characters often find themselves in situations where their hearts are pulled in conflicting directions, torn between duty and desire, loyalty and passion.