Happiness was useless to me. It was heartache that filled my purse. What happy man has need of Shakespeare?

Happiness was useless to me. It was heartache that filled my purse. What happy man has need of Shakespeare?

In the world of Jennifer Donnelly's novels, happiness is often a fleeting and elusive concept. Her characters are often faced with heartache, loss, and struggle, making it difficult for them to find true happiness. In this context, the quote "Happiness was useless to me. It was heartache that filled my purse. What happy man has need of Shakespeare?" takes on a deeper meaning.

The idea that happiness is useless and that heartache fills one's purse suggests that pain and suffering are more valuable and meaningful experiences than fleeting moments of joy. Donnelly's characters often find themselves grappling with difficult emotions and situations, and it is through these struggles that they grow and learn more about themselves and the world around them.

The mention of Shakespeare in the quote adds another layer of complexity to the idea of happiness and heartache. Shakespeare's works are often filled with themes of love, loss, and tragedy, making them a fitting reference in a discussion about the complexities of human emotions. The quote implies that only those who have experienced heartache and suffering can truly appreciate and understand the depth and beauty of Shakespeare's writing.