User:Syntgeeks

"You must wear your rue with a difference"

This quote is is part of a speech by the character Ophelia (q.v) from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Price of Denmark. The more complete quote follows:

Hamlet; Act 4, Sc 5

Claudia (speaking to Claudius and Laertes):

"There's fennel for you, and columbines: there's rue for you; and here's some for me: we may call it herb-grace o' Sundays: O you must wear your rue with a difference."

"Rue" (Ruta graveolens) also called "herb of grace" was worn in Shakespeare's time as a "simple" (or medication) for cure or prevention of diseases of the eye. It was used separately or in conjunction with the herb "Eyebright" or (Euphrasia officinalis). They were often worn as sprigs or small bunches fixed with a pin on a cap or hat.

Thus, the significance of the passage is Ophelia warning Laertes to view Claudius differently.