We Are Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On Quote
The quote "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" is from one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, The Tempest. The line is spoken by the character Prospero, the former Duke of Milan who was exiled to a remote island along with his daughter Miranda.
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote is often interpreted to mean that human beings are made of the same material as dreams, which are intangible and fleeting. It suggests that our existence is transitory and that we are subject to the same impermanence as our dreams. In this sense, the quote speaks to the human condition of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life.
The Context of the Quote
The quote is spoken by Prospero in Act IV, Scene I of The Tempest. In this scene, Prospero is reflecting on the nature of reality and the illusions that can be created through magic. He is preparing to confront his enemies and regain his rightful place as Duke of Milan, but he realizes that his power is limited and that he cannot control everything.
Prospero's realization that he is not all-powerful is significant because it marks a shift in his character. Throughout the play, he has been portrayed as a manipulative and controlling figure who uses his magic to control others. However, in this scene, he acknowledges that he is subject to the same forces of nature as everyone else, and that he cannot control everything.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" is significant because it speaks to the universal human experience of mortality and the impermanence of life. It suggests that we are all subject to the same forces of nature and that we cannot control everything. It also speaks to the power of imagination and the capacity of human beings to create and dream.
The quote has been interpreted in many different ways over the years, and its significance has evolved with each interpretation. Some see it as a celebration of the human spirit and the power of imagination, while others see it as a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
The Influence of the Quote
The quote "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" has had a profound influence on literature, art, and popular culture. It has been referenced in countless works of fiction and poetry, and has inspired artists and writers around the world.
One of the most famous references to the quote is in the science fiction film Blade Runner, in which the character Roy Batty recites a modified version of the quote: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die."
Conclusion
The quote "We are such stuff as dreams are made on" is a powerful and evocative statement that speaks to the human condition of mortality and the impermanence of life. It has had a profound influence on literature, art, and popular culture, and continues to inspire artists and writers around the world.