She cannot love, nor take no shape nor project or affection, she is so self-endeared

She cannot love, nor take no shape nor project or affection, she is so self-endeared

The line "She cannot love, nor take no shape nor project or affection, she is so self-endeared" is from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night." In this line, the character Duke Orsino is speaking about his unrequited love for Olivia, a wealthy countess who is mourning the recent death of her brother. Orsino is frustrated by Olivia's seeming indifference to his advances and believes that she is too self-absorbed to return his affections.

The phrase "she is so self-endeared" suggests that Olivia is too wrapped up in her own grief and self-absorption to be capable of loving anyone else. She is so consumed by her own emotions and concerns that she is unable to see or respond to the love that Orsino is offering her. This self-absorption is portrayed as a barrier to love, preventing Olivia from forming a genuine connection with Orsino or anyone else.

Orsino's frustration with Olivia's perceived lack of love for him reflects the theme of unrequited love that runs throughout "Twelfth Night." The play explores the complexities of love and desire, as well as the ways in which our own self-absorption can prevent us from truly connecting with others. Olivia's inability to love is not just a personal failing, but a reflection of the larger themes of the play.

The line also highlights the idea that love requires a certain amount of selflessness and openness to others. Olivia's self-endeared nature prevents her from being able to truly love Orsino or anyone else, as she is too focused on her own feelings and desires. In contrast, characters like Viola and Sebastian are able to form deep and meaningful connections with others because they are willing to put aside their own concerns and truly see and understand the people around them.

Overall, the line "She cannot love, nor take no shape nor project or affection, she is so self-endeared" captures the complexities of love and self-absorption in "Twelfth Night," and serves as a reminder of the importance of openness and empathy in forming genuine connections with others.