Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?

Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?

In the context of William Shakespeare's works, the quote "Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?" can be interpreted in various ways. Shakespeare was a master at exploring the complexities of human nature, including the enduring power of desire and the often fleeting nature of achievement.

One interpretation of this quote could be that desire, or ambition, can drive individuals to pursue their goals for many years, even if they never fully achieve them. In Shakespeare's plays, characters like Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello are driven by their desires for power, revenge, and love, respectively. These desires consume them and lead to tragic consequences, showing how powerful and enduring desire can be.

Another interpretation could be that desire can outlive the actual performance or accomplishment of a goal. In Shakespeare's plays, characters often struggle with the gap between their desires and reality. For example, Romeo and Juliet desire to be together despite their families' feud, but their love ultimately leads to tragedy. Similarly, in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the characters' desires for love and happiness lead to misunderstandings and chaos.

Furthermore, the quote could also be seen as a commentary on the passage of time and the ways in which desire can change or evolve over the years. In Shakespeare's plays, characters often grapple with the passage of time and the ways in which their desires shift as they grow older. For example, in "King Lear," the titular character's desire for power and control gives way to a desire for love and reconciliation with his daughters.

Overall, Shakespeare's works are filled with characters who grapple with the enduring power of desire and the ways in which it can shape their lives. The quote "Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?" encapsulates the timeless themes of ambition, love, and the passage of time that are central to Shakespeare's work.