Quote meaning (1 Viewer)

[Run hard@thehsc]

“Why grow the branches when the root is gone? // Why grow the leaves that want their sap?” For those who have read Richard (iii), could someone please explain to me the meaning behind this (PS: it is said by Queen Elizabeth when King Edward dies, as she informs everyone about the demise)...

 

[jimmysmith560]

If I'm not mistaken, the original text reads:

Why grow the branches when the root is gone?
Why wither not the leaves that want their sap?​

Essentially, the first sentence involves Queen Elizabeth asking how branches can keep growing when the root is gone, i.e. why they should keep living when their leader and lifeblood is gone.

Regarding the second sentence, it serves to strengthen this sense of highly mannered, rhetorical style through which the sententious elements in her speech are delivered.

I hope this helps!

 

[Run hard@thehsc]

Thanks!!!