One, whose subdu'd eyes, albeit unused to the melting mood, drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees their medicinal gum

One, whose subdu'd eyes, albeit unused to the melting mood, drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees their medicinal gum

The line "One, whose subdu'd eyes, albeit unused to the melting mood, drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees their medicinal gum" is a powerful and evocative image from William Shakespeare's play "Othello". In this line, Shakespeare uses vivid language to describe a character who is not accustomed to showing emotion, yet is overcome with tears.

The comparison to Arabian trees dropping their medicinal gum is particularly striking. Arabian trees, such as the Boswellia tree which produces frankincense, are known for their ability to produce resin or gum that has healing properties. In this context, the tears of the character are likened to this valuable substance, suggesting that their emotional outpouring is not only unexpected but also valuable and healing in some way.

The use of the phrase "melting mood" further emphasizes the intensity of the character's emotions. The idea of melting suggests a complete breakdown of emotional barriers, a loss of control, and a vulnerability that is rare for this individual. The fact that their tears flow as fast as the gum from Arabian trees implies a rapid and overwhelming release of emotion.

This line also speaks to the universal human experience of feeling emotions so deeply that they cannot be contained. Even those who are not accustomed to showing vulnerability or expressing their feelings openly can be moved to tears by certain circumstances. Shakespeare captures this complexity of human emotion in a single, beautifully crafted line.

Overall, this line from "Othello" is a poignant reminder of the power of emotions and the ways in which they can manifest unexpectedly. It serves as a testament to the depth and complexity of Shakespeare's characters and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing.