Conceit, more rich in matter than in words, brags of his substance: They are but beggars who can count their worth

Conceit, more rich in matter than in words, brags of his substance: They are but beggars who can count their worth

In the world of William Shakespeare, the theme of conceit is a prevalent one, often explored through the characters and their actions. The quote “Conceit, more rich in matter than in words, brags of his substance: They are but beggars who can count their worth” speaks to the idea that true value lies in substance rather than empty words or boastful claims.

Shakespeare’s plays are filled with characters who exhibit conceit in various forms. From the arrogant and self-absorbed Malvolio in “Twelfth Night” to the power-hungry Macbeth in the play of the same name, Shakespeare’s characters often fall victim to their own inflated sense of self-worth. These characters are quick to boast of their accomplishments and abilities, but often lack the substance to back up their claims.

The quote suggests that those who are truly rich in substance do not need to boast or brag about their worth. Instead, their actions and deeds speak for themselves. In Shakespeare’s plays, characters like Hamlet and King Lear demonstrate true substance through their actions and decisions, rather than through empty words or grandiose claims.

The idea that true value lies in substance rather than words is a timeless one, and one that Shakespeare explores with depth and nuance in his works. Characters like Iago in “Othello” and Richard III in the play of the same name are prime examples of the dangers of conceit and the emptiness of words without substance.

Ultimately, Shakespeare’s exploration of conceit serves as a cautionary tale for his audience. The quote reminds us that true worth is not found in empty boasts or grandiose claims, but in the actions and deeds of individuals. Those who are truly rich in substance do not need to count their worth, for it is evident in all that they do.