Shakespeare Quotes

There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow

If your mind dislike any thing, obey it. I will forestall their
repair hither, and say you are not fit.

to leave betimes, let be.

Hamlet Act 5, scene 2, 217–224

Hamlet's stepfather, King Claudius, has arranged a fencing match between the prince and Laertes. Laertes happens to be the son of Polonius (whom Hamlet has slain) and the brother of Ophelia (who has gone mad and committed suicide as a result of Hamlet's actions). Hamlet and his friend Horatio well know that the king desperately wants the prince out of the way, and that Laertes is looking for revenge; the fencing match doesn't promise to be an entirely playful affair.

Hamlet has agreed to it nonetheless, and refuses Horatio's offer to excuse him if he thinks better of things. "We defy augury"—that is, omens mean nothing to him. Hamlet will deliver himself over to his fate, because he finally realizes that it is out of his control. Before, he would have thought too precisely on the event, weighed its implications, and sought into its causes. Now, he is of the opinion that "there's special providence in the fall of a sparrow," and therefore a guiding hand behind his own fall, whenever it comes, now or in the future. Here, Hamlet echoes the Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapter 10: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell./ Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father" (King James version).

Themes: fate and fortune, courage

Speakers: Hamlet, Horatio