0
Polonius says it in Act 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The irony is that Polonius is a windbag to whom brevity is unknown. The person he is speaking to, Gertrude, is the mistress of the terse remark. Her comment: "More matter with less art."
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The line "brevity is the soul of wit" is spoken by Polonius in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." The irony lies in the fact that Polonius is known for being long-winded and verbose in his speech and actions, contradicting the very idea of brevity that he espouses.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is ironic about brevity is the soul of wit'?
The character who says it is long winded.
What does brevity is a source of wit mean?
It means someone misheard the quotation, which is actually "brevity is the soul of wit."
What is the irony of Polonius' statement that brevity is the soul of wit?
The irony of Polonius' statement is that he himself is known for being long-winded and verbose, not brief. By claiming that brevity is the soul of wit, he unintentionally highlights his own lack of wit and self-awareness.
What is the positive connotation for short?
Brevity is the soul of wit.
Who said this line 'Brevity is the soul of wit'?
The quotation is this:Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,I will be brief.It comes from the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, and is spoken by the character Polonius.
What Shakespeare play is this from brerity is the soul of wit?
"Brevity is the soul of wit" is from Lord Polonious' speech in Shakespeare's Hamlet, in Act II, scene ii.
What Shakespeare play does 'brevity is the soul of wit' come from?
Hamlet.Polonius says;"My liege, and madam, to expostulateWhat majesty should be, what duty is,What day is day, night night, and time is time,Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time;Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,I will be brief. Your noble son is mad. . . .
What famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet has to do with eliminating extra words?
Brevity is the soul of wit
What shakespeare play says brevity is the soul of wit?
"Brevity is the soul of wit" is a line from Hamlet, Act 2. It is said by Polonius, and it is ironic because although Polonius is saying that brevity is a virtue, it appears to be a virtue he does not posess. He is incapable of brevity, which by his maxim means he has very little wit.
What does polonius mean by brevity is the soul of wit?
It is self-explanatory. "Brevity" means terseness, saying things with few words. "Wit" is intelligent and clever use of language, although it can also mean just plain intelligence. Saying that something is the soul of something is the same as saying that it is at the heart of that thing, or that it is the essence of that thing. So, the saying could be rephrased (with a less satisfactory rhythm) as "brevity is at the heart of wit" or "brevity is the essence of wit". Therefore what it means is that if you want to speak intelligently you should use just as many words as you need and no more. Of course it says that much more briefly and therefore more intelligently. The irony is that the guy who says this line, Polonius in Hamlet, is notoriously neither brief nor witty.
Which of William shakespeare's plays does the phrase 'brevity is the soul of wit' come from?
Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2
What does 'brevity is the soul of wit' mean?
Brevity is the Soul of WitThe proverb 'brevity is the soul of wit' means that articulate and intelligent communication (speech and writing) should use few and wisely chosen words. It is associated with the play 'Hamlet,' by William Shakespeare. In Shakespeare's day, 'wit' principally referred to intelligence, and the essence or soul of being intelligent is to convey your thoughts as briefly and efficiently as possible. Here is the context of the line:LORD POLONIUSThis business is well ended.My liege, and madam, to expostulateWhat majesty should be, what duty is,Why day is day, night night, and time is time,Were nothing but to waste night, day and time.Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,I will be brief: your noble son is mad:Mad call I it; for, to define true madness,What is't but to be nothing else but mad?But let that go.(The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Act 2, scene 2.)It should also be noted that this phrase is very ironic in the context of the play, as Polonius is anything but brief in his long speeches.
