When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport, but creep in crannies when he hides his beams

When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport, but creep in crannies when he hides his beams

In William Shakespeare's works, the theme of light and darkness is a recurring motif that symbolizes various aspects of human nature and the world around us. The quote "When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport, but creep in crannies when he hides his beams" can be interpreted in many ways within the context of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.

One interpretation of this quote is that it speaks to the idea of vulnerability and weakness in the face of power. The sun, as a symbol of strength and authority, represents those who hold power and influence over others. The foolish gnats, on the other hand, represent those who are weak and easily swayed by the whims of those in power. When the sun shines, the foolish gnats are free to frolic and play without fear of reprisal. However, when the sun hides its beams, the foolish gnats must hide in the shadows, lest they be exposed and punished for their foolishness.

This idea of vulnerability in the face of power is a common theme in Shakespeare's works. Characters such as Macbeth, who succumb to their own ambition and are ultimately destroyed by their own actions, exemplify this idea of weakness in the face of power. Similarly, characters like Othello, who are manipulated by those around them and ultimately brought to ruin, also embody this theme of vulnerability in the face of power.

Another interpretation of this quote is that it speaks to the idea of hiding one's true self in the face of adversity. Just as the foolish gnats must hide in crannies when the sun hides its beams, so too must individuals hide their true selves when faced with challenges and obstacles. In Shakespeare's plays, characters often struggle to reconcile their inner desires and motivations with the expectations and demands of society. This conflict between inner and outer selves is a central theme in many of Shakespeare's works, and is reflected in the quote "When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport, but creep in crannies when he hides his beams."