Thoughts are but dreams till their effects be tried

Thoughts are but dreams till their effects be tried

In the world of William Shakespeare, the power of thoughts and dreams is a recurring theme that is explored in many of his plays and sonnets. One of the most famous quotes that encapsulates this idea is “Thoughts are but dreams till their effects be tried.” This line, spoken by the character Lucius in Shakespeare’s play Titus Andronicus, highlights the notion that thoughts and dreams are merely fleeting until they are put into action and their consequences are realized.

Throughout Shakespeare’s works, characters often grapple with their inner thoughts and desires, struggling to reconcile them with the reality of their actions. In plays like Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello, we see how the characters’ thoughts and dreams drive their actions, leading to tragic consequences. Macbeth’s ambition, Hamlet’s indecision, and Othello’s jealousy all stem from their inner thoughts and desires, ultimately leading to their downfall.