The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones

The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones

William Shakespeare's quote, "The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones," is a powerful and thought-provoking statement that reflects the complexities of human nature and the lasting impact of our actions. This quote is from the play "Julius Caesar," spoken by Mark Antony in his funeral oration for Caesar. In this speech, Antony is trying to turn the Roman citizens against the conspirators who assassinated Caesar, and he uses this quote to highlight the idea that people are often remembered more for their wrongdoings than for their good deeds.

The first part of the quote, "The evil that men do lives after them," suggests that the negative actions and choices we make in life can have lasting consequences that continue to affect others long after we are gone. This idea is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's works, as many of his plays explore the destructive power of jealousy, greed, and ambition. Characters like Macbeth, Iago, and Richard III are all driven by their own selfish desires, leading them to commit heinous acts that ultimately lead to their downfall. These characters are remembered not for the good they may have done in their lives, but for the evil they unleashed upon the world.

On the other hand, the second part of the quote, "the good is oft interred with their bones," suggests that the positive actions and virtues of individuals are often forgotten or overlooked once they have passed away. This idea speaks to the fleeting nature of human memory and the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a person's life rather than their positive contributions. In "Julius Caesar," Antony uses this contrast to emphasize the injustice of Caesar's assassination and to paint the conspirators in a negative light.

Overall, Shakespeare's quote serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the enduring impact of our actions. It challenges us to consider how we will be remembered after we are gone and encourages us to strive for goodness and virtue in our lives.