Quote by Samuel Johnson
The composition of Shakespeare is a forest, in which oaks extend in the air, interspersed sometimes with weeds and brambles, and sometimes giving shelting to myrtles and to roses; filling the eye with awful pomp, and gratifying the mind with endless diversity.
Summary
This quote compares the works of Shakespeare to a forest, illustrating the vastness and richness of his compositions. The oaks represent the majestic and grand elements of his plays, while the weeds and brambles symbolize the imperfect or less desirable aspects. However, amidst these, there are also gems like the myrtles and roses, symbolizing the beautiful and delicate moments found in his writing. The quote highlights that Shakespeare's works are both visually impressive and intellectually satisfying, providing an abundance of different emotions, insights, and experiences to the reader or audience.