”I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at“ William Shakespeare Quotation Early 17th century England 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning This phrase means to openly show one's emotions, making oneself vulnerable to others who may take advantage of these emotions. The comparison to daws (a type of crow) pecking at a heart displays the potential cruelty or judgment that can come from being so transparent with one's feelings. It's a colorful way of expressing the risks involved in being emotionally honest and transparent. Allegory The person with their heart on their sleeve represents emotional transparency and vulnerability. The crows symbolize potential judgments and exploitations from others, mirroring the phrase "daws to peck at." The serene expression of the person highlights the courage and inner strength in choosing to be emotionally honest. The dual panoramic view in the background symbolizes the contrasting outcomes of such vulnerability: the gloomy scene represents the risks and negative consequences, while the bright, sunny landscape reveals the rewards and virtues of being true to oneself. This contrast aims to evoke a reflective understanding of the bravery and beauty in living openly and authentically. Applicability Applying the phrase to personal life suggests the importance of balancing emotional honesty with self-protection. While it may be courageous and authentic to share your truest feelings, it's essential to be mindful of those who might exploit your vulnerability. In daily activities, this could translate to being open and sincere in relationships while also setting boundaries to protect oneself from emotional harm. Impact Shakespeare's phrase has had a significant impact on language and culture, contributing to common expressions about emotional vulnerability. It has inspired countless discussions on the themes of honesty, transparency, and vulnerability in literature, psychology, and everyday discourse. The phrase is often cited in contexts discussing the importance and risks of being emotionally open. Historical Context The historical context of "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at" dates back to the early 17th century when Shakespeare wrote "Othello," around 1603-1604. The play reflects the social and cultural tensions of the time, including themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the complexity of human emotions. Criticisms Criticisms and controversies related to the phrase typically involve interpretations of emotional expression. Some argue that being emotionally transparent is a sign of strength, while others see it as naivety or weakness. The phrase can also be viewed through different lenses depending on cultural values regarding emotional openness and privacy, leading to varied interpretations and potential disagreements. Variations The phrase has been interpreted and adapted in various cultures. In Western culture, it often signifies emotional openness. In other cultures, where emotional restraint is valued, the phrase might be seen as a cautionary warning about the dangers of displaying emotions too freely. Interpretations vary widely based on societal attitudes towards emotional expression. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments The empty vessel makes the loudest sound. Plutarch Read more Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have immortal longings in me. William Shakespeare Read more Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break. William Shakespeare Read more My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break. William Shakespeare Read more If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me. William Shakespeare Read more Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. William Shakespeare Read more The world is grown so bad, that wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch. William Shakespeare Read more The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. William Shakespeare Read more I bear a charmed life. William Shakespeare Read more As merry as the day is long. William Shakespeare Read more By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. William Shakespeare Read more Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. William Shakespeare Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break. William Shakespeare Read more
My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break. William Shakespeare Read more
If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me. William Shakespeare Read more
The world is grown so bad, that wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch. William Shakespeare Read more