The Merchant of Venice: “I will run, fiend, my heels are at your commandment, I will run.”
In William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” the character Launcelot Gobbo delivers the line, “I will run, fiend, my heels are at your commandment, I will run.” This quote emerges from a moment of comic tension, revealing Launcelot’s internal conflict as he grapples with the decision to abandon his master, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. This line encapsulates themes of autonomy, morality, and the struggle between conscience and desire, offering a rich ground for exploration.
Launcelot, a clownish character, embodies the play’s broader themes of loyalty and betrayal. His dialogue reveals a humorous yet poignant struggle between the dictates of conscience and the temptations of the “fiend,” or devil. The phrase “I will run” signifies both a physical action and a metaphorical escape from moral obligation. Launcelot’s internal dialogue suggests that while he feels bound to his master by duty, the allure of freedom and a better life pulls him toward rebellion. This tension is amplified by his characterization as a comedic figure who ultimately seeks self-preservation, making his plight relatable and human.
Shakespeare employs various literary devices to enhance the meaning of this quote. The repetition of “run” emphasizes Launcelot’s urgency and desperation, while the contrasting figures of “fiend” and “conscience” symbolize the dual nature of human motivation: the struggle between good and evil. The personification of conscience and the fiend as opposing forces creates a lively debate within Launcelot’s mind, illustrating the complexity of moral choices. This internal conflict invites the audience to reflect on their own moral dilemmas, making Launcelot’s predicament timeless and relevant.
Historical context also plays a crucial role in understanding this quote. Written in the late 16th century, “The Merchant of Venice” reflects the societal attitudes towards Jews in Elizabethan England. Shylock, as a Jewish character, represents the marginalized and often vilified. Launcelot’s decision to flee from Shylock can be seen as an act of defiance against a master whose representation is imbued with cultural prejudice. In this light, Launcelot’s choice becomes not only a personal escape but also a commentary on the broader social dynamics of the time, highlighting the tensions between different communities.
The themes of autonomy and moral conflict explored in Launcelot’s quote resonate throughout Shakespeare’s oeuvre. Similar struggles appear in characters like Hamlet, who is paralyzed by indecision, or Macbeth, whose ambition leads him down a treacherous path. In each case, Shakespeare delves into the human condition, exploring how external pressures and internal desires can clash, leading to profound consequences.
Modern interpretations of this quote often take on new dimensions as contemporary audiences grapple with their own moral conundrums. The idea of running from one’s responsibilities can evoke discussions around personal agency and the moral implications of self-preservation. In an era where individualism is celebrated, Launcelot’s decision to prioritize his well-being over loyalty raises questions about the nature of duty and the ethical considerations of personal happiness.
Moreover, in today’s fast-paced world, where individuals frequently feel overwhelmed by societal expectations, Launcelot’s cry to “run” can resonate deeply. It highlights the struggle between the desire to conform and the need to break free, a theme that spans literature and philosophy. The existential dilemma of choosing between the safe path of compliance and the risky road of freedom is a universal concern, making Launcelot’s plight relevant even in modern contexts.
In conclusion, Launcelot Gobbo’s declaration, “I will run, fiend, my heels are at your commandment, I will run,” serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of autonomy, morality, and the complexities of human choice. Through Launcelot’s humorous yet poignant internal conflict, Shakespeare reveals the intricacies of conscience and the enduring struggle between duty and desire. This moment not only enriches “The Merchant of Venice” but also invites readers and audiences to reflect on their own lives, urging them to consider the nature of their choices and the forces that drive them. In the end, Launcelot’s decision to run becomes a powerful metaphor for the eternal human quest for freedom and self-determination.
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Passage Summary
In this passage from "The Merchant of Venice," Launcelot Gobbo, a comic character and servant, grapples with a moral dilemma regarding his loyalty to his master, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Launcelot's internal conflict is vividly illustrated as he debates the influence of his conscience against that of a tempting fiend. He humorously personifies these two forces, referring to his conscience as urging him to remain loyal, while the fiend encourages him to escape. This juxtaposition highlights themes of choice, morality, and the struggle between good and evil, which are central to the play.
The significance of this passage lies in Launcelot's characterization as a clown, providing comic relief while also reflecting deeper societal issues. His disdain for Shylock, whom he describes as "the very devil incarnation," reveals the prejudices of the time and the tension between Christian and Jewish characters, a recurring theme throughout the play. Launcelot's ultimate decision to flee, spurred by the fiend, underscores the notion of self-preservation and the human inclination to seek freedom, even at the cost of loyalty.
Additionally, the introduction of Old Gobbo, Launcelot's blind father, further complicates the scene. Launcelot's playful intent to "try confusions" with his father, who cannot recognize him, adds a layer of irony and humor. This dynamic enriches the narrative, highlighting family ties while also serving as a vehicle for Launcelot's comedic antics.
Overall, this passage encapsulates Shakespeare's ability to intertwine humor with serious themes, reflecting the complexities of human nature and societal norms in the context of the Venetian society depicted in the play.
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clown, alone.
LAUNCELET.
Certainly my conscience will serve me to run from this Jew my master. The fiend
is at mine elbow and tempts me, saying to me "Gobbo, Launcelet Gobbo, good
Launcelet" or "good Gobbo," or "good Launcelet Gobbo, use your legs, take the
start, run away." My conscience says "No; take heed, honest Launcelet, take
heed, honest Gobbo" or, as aforesaid, "honest Launcelet Gobbo, do not run,
scorn running with thy heels." Well, the most courageous fiend bids me pack.
"Fia!" says the fiend, "away!" says the fiend. "For the heavens, rouse up a
brave mind," says the fiend, "and run." Well, my conscience, hanging about the
neck of my heart, says very wisely to me "My honest friend Launcelet, being an
honest man's son"—or rather an honest woman's son, for indeed my father did
something smack, something grow to, he had a kind of taste;—well, my conscience
says "Launcelet, budge not." "Budge," says the fiend. "Budge not," says my
conscience. "Conscience," say I, "you counsel well." "Fiend," say I, "you
counsel well." To be ruled by my conscience, I should stay with the Jew my
master, who, (God bless the mark) is a kind of devil; and, to run away from the
Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who (saving your reverence) is the devil
himself. Certainly the Jew is the very devil incarnation, and, in my
conscience, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, to offer to counsel
me to stay with the Jew. The fiend gives the more friendly counsel. I will run,
fiend, my heels are at your commandment, I will run.
Enter Old Gobbo. with a basket.
GOBBO.
Master young man, you, I pray you; which is the way to Master Jew's?
LAUNCELET.
[[Aside.] ] O heavens, this is my true-begotten father, who being more than
sand-blind, high-gravel blind, knows me not. I will try confusions with him.
GOBBO.
Master young gentleman, I pray you, which is the way to Master Jew's?
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