Though authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold

Though authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold

The quote “Though authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold” is a powerful statement that reflects the complex relationship between power and wealth in the works of William Shakespeare. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare explores the ways in which authority figures are influenced and manipulated by money, and how this dynamic can shape the course of events in his stories.

In many of Shakespeare’s plays, we see characters using their wealth to gain favor with those in positions of power. Whether it is through bribery, gifts, or other forms of financial persuasion, characters often attempt to sway the decisions of authority figures in their favor. This theme is particularly prevalent in plays such as “Macbeth” and “The Merchant of Venice”, where characters use their wealth to achieve their own personal goals and ambitions.