While [Shakespeare] darts himself forth, and passes into all the forms of human character and passion, the one Proteus of the fire and the flood; [Milton] attracts all forms and things to himself, into the unity of his own ideal. All things and modes of action shape themselves anew in the being of Milton; while Shakespeare becomes all things, yet ever remaining himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shakespeare adapts to every character while remaining himself, whereas Milton shapes everything into his own ideal form.
- In plain terms
- Shakespeare becomes all things; Milton makes all things like him.
- What can you take from it?
- Adapt without losing yourself.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you adapt to others?
- Do you change to fit the world?
Another view
The comparison may oversimplify their actual styles.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
No man was ever yet a great poet, without being at the same time a profound philosopher.
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