Thomas Otway Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Oh! That I were a glass, upon whose bosom thou might'st pour

This quote suggests a deep longing or desire for intimacy and understanding in a relationship. The speaker wishes they were a transparent vessel (a glass), so their lover could pour their heart out to them without reserve, allowing for complete emotional transparency. In essence, it's about wanting to truly know and understand another person at a profound level.

Thy unextinguishable tears, and I be ground

In this quote by Thomas Otway, the speaker uses poetic language to express a deep sense of despair and submission. The use of "unextinguishable tears" implies constant, unrelenting sorrow or pain. The second part, "I be ground," is likely meant to convey complete humility, as if the speaker wishes to become insignificant and submit to their circumstances. In essence, the quote expresses a profound emotional state where one's tears reflect an endless sorrow, and they are willing to succumb to that pain.

To powder with the artificer's skill, to produce

This quote by Thomas Otway suggests the idea of creating or producing something through careful planning and skill. In other words, it encourages the process of using one's expertise to bring about an outcome or result – be it a tangible product, a work of art, or even an idea – by employing thoughtful techniques and strategies. The "artificer" in this quote refers to someone who has mastered their craft and can create something impressive through their skill and ingenuity.

A precious stone of purest ray serene."

The quote "A precious stone of purest ray serene" suggests a valuable item, possibly a gemstone, that radiates an unblemished and tranquil brilliance. It can symbolize anything or anyone possessing exceptional purity, beauty, and calmness. This could be applied to individuals who are wise, kind, and peaceful, or to objects that are precious or admirable due to their unique qualities. The quote emphasizes the idea of something remarkable, emanating a sublime aura of perfection.

- Venice Preserved

The quote, "- Venice Preserved" by Thomas Otway, symbolizes a deep longing to safeguard or preserve something precious, in this case, the city of Venice – its history, culture, beauty, and way of life. It suggests an intense emotion that transcends personal interest, underscoring the importance of preservation for future generations. The quote can also be interpreted more broadly as a call to protect and conserve any valuable entity, whether it's a city, a relationship, or an idea, that holds significant meaning in our lives.

"Heaven hath no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."

This quote by Thomas Otway suggests that the intense emotional turmoil experienced when love is transformed into hate is as profound as any divine wrath, and that the depth of anger and vengeance exhibited by a woman who has been scorned equals the fury of the underworld. Essentially, it highlights the incredible passion and intensity of emotions associated with love and the devastating impact of betrayal or rejection on those deeply invested in relationships.

- Venice Preserved

The quote, "- Venice Preserved" by Thomas Otway, symbolizes a deep longing to safeguard or preserve something precious, in this case, the city of Venice – its history, culture, beauty, and way of life. It suggests an intense emotion that transcends personal interest, underscoring the importance of preservation for future generations. The quote can also be interpreted more broadly as a call to protect and conserve any valuable entity, whether it's a city, a relationship, or an idea, that holds significant meaning in our lives.

"All great things are born of small beginnings."

This quote by Thomas Otway suggests that even the greatest achievements, inventions, or ideas originate from humble or seemingly insignificant beginnings. It encourages us to appreciate the potential in every small step or idea, as it has the power to grow into something significant given time, effort, and persistence.

- The Orphan

In the quote by Thomas Otway from his play "The Orphan," he poignantly expresses the plight of an orphan, who, having no family to support or protect them, is left vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation. He uses poetic language to convey the profound loneliness, despair, and helplessness that orphans experience. The quote serves as a call for empathy and compassion towards these individuals who have been discarded by society, suggesting they are in need of protection, love, and guidance. Overall, it underscores the importance of providing care and support to those who are marginalized and without a support system.

"The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."

This quote, penned by Thomas Otway, symbolizes the profound influence and power that nurturing and upbringing have on society as a whole. It suggests that those who shape and guide the future generations, primarily mothers or caregivers, hold significant control over the destiny of the world, as their actions can mold the values, beliefs, and character of the next generation. Thus, "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."

- The Orphan

In the quote by Thomas Otway from his play "The Orphan," he poignantly expresses the plight of an orphan, who, having no family to support or protect them, is left vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation. He uses poetic language to convey the profound loneliness, despair, and helplessness that orphans experience. The quote serves as a call for empathy and compassion towards these individuals who have been discarded by society, suggesting they are in need of protection, love, and guidance. Overall, it underscores the importance of providing care and support to those who are marginalized and without a support system.

"I'd rather be a servant in the house of my own free holder, than a king under a foreign lord."

This quote by Thomas Otway emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and independence over material wealth or power. The speaker values being a servant in their own homeland, where they are free to make decisions and live according to their own will, rather than serving as a king under foreign rule and potentially losing their autonomy and individuality. It suggests that for this individual, the pursuit of liberty is more valuable than any temporary or external status.

- Venice Preserved

The quote, "- Venice Preserved" by Thomas Otway, symbolizes a deep longing to safeguard or preserve something precious, in this case, the city of Venice – its history, culture, beauty, and way of life. It suggests an intense emotion that transcends personal interest, underscoring the importance of preservation for future generations. The quote can also be interpreted more broadly as a call to protect and conserve any valuable entity, whether it's a city, a relationship, or an idea, that holds significant meaning in our lives.