The voice of parents is the voice of gods, for to their children they are heaven's lieutenants

The voice of parents is the voice of gods, for to their children they are heaven's lieutenants

In the world of William Shakespeare, the role of parents was often portrayed as one of great importance and authority. The quote, “The voice of parents is the voice of gods, for to their children they are heaven's lieutenants,” speaks to the idea that parents hold a divine power over their children, guiding them and shaping their lives in a way that mirrors the influence of higher beings.

Throughout Shakespeare’s works, we see examples of parents exerting their authority over their children in various ways. In plays like “King Lear” and “Romeo and Juliet,” we witness the struggles that arise when parents try to control the lives of their offspring, often with disastrous consequences. In “King Lear,” the titular character’s decision to divide his kingdom among his daughters leads to betrayal and tragedy, while in “Romeo and Juliet,” the feud between the Capulets and Montagues ultimately leads to the deaths of the young lovers.