The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief

The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief

"The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief" is a powerful quote from William Shakespeare that speaks to the idea of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. This quote can be found in one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Othello, and is spoken by the character Othello himself.

In the context of the play, Othello is referring to the betrayal he has experienced at the hands of his trusted advisor, Iago. Iago has manipulated Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful to him, leading Othello to ultimately kill her in a fit of jealousy. Despite the pain and suffering that Iago has caused him, Othello recognizes that by maintaining his composure and not allowing Iago to see the extent of his devastation, he is able to take something back from his tormentor. By refusing to let Iago see him broken, Othello is able to maintain a sense of power and agency in the situation.

This quote can be interpreted in a broader sense as well, beyond the confines of the play. It speaks to the idea that even in the face of adversity and injustice, one can still find a way to assert their own strength and resilience. By refusing to be completely defeated by the actions of others, one can take back some measure of control and power over their own life.