Men prize the thing ungained more than it is

Men prize the thing ungained more than it is

In the works of William Shakespeare, the theme of desire and longing is a recurring motif that is explored in various ways. One of the most famous quotes that encapsulates this idea is "Men prize the thing ungained more than it is." This line, spoken by Claudio in "Much Ado About Nothing," reflects the human tendency to desire what is out of reach and to place greater value on something that is unattainable.

Throughout Shakespeare's plays, characters often find themselves consumed by their desires and driven to pursue what they cannot have. This can be seen in the tragic figure of Macbeth, who becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming king and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. Similarly, in "Romeo and Juliet," the young lovers are thwarted by the feuding families and are ultimately unable to be together, leading to their tragic end.

The idea that men prize the thing ungained more than it is can also be seen in the character of Hamlet, who is torn between his desire for revenge and his moral qualms about committing murder. His indecision and internal conflict stem from his inability to attain his desired outcome, leading to a sense of frustration and longing.