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who said vanity thy name is woman ?

**Title: Unveiling the Misquote: “Vanity, Thy Name is Woman”**

**Introduction:**

The phrase “Vanity, thy name is woman” is often cited, yet its origin is shrouded in misconception. This blog post aims to elucidate the correct source of this phrase, explore why it is frequently misquoted, and discuss its cultural implications.

**The Correct Quote: “Frailty, Thy Name is Woman”**

The accurate phrase, “Frailty, thy name is woman,” originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy *Hamlet* (Act 1, Scene 2). Spoken by Hamlet, it reflects his anguish over his mother Gertrude’s swift remarriage to Claudius, his uncle, shortly after his father’s death. This line underscores Hamlet’s perception of his mother’s moral weakness and the fragility of human nature.

**The Misquotation: Why “Vanity” Replaces “Frailty”**

The substitution of “vanity” for “frailty” may stem from the modern connotation of vanity as self-indulgence, aligning with criticism of Gertrude’s hasty remarriage. This shift highlights a cultural shift in how we perceive female characters—moving from frailty to vanity, which carries a more judgmental tone.

**Cultural and Literary Implications**

The misquote reflects how literary interpretations evolve, influenced by contemporary values. “Vanity” emphasizes superficiality, whereas “frailty” suggests vulnerability. This change mirrors shifting attitudes toward female characters, often criticized for perceived weaknesses rather than acknowledged for their resilience.

**Artistic Reflections: Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s “Lady Lilith”**

Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s painting *Lady Lilith* embodies the concept of vanity, with Lilith depicted admiring her reflection. Though not directly related to Shakespeare, the artwork symbolizes the seductive and dangerous aspects of vanity, resonating with the misquoted phrase’s theme.

**Conclusion: Understanding the Misquote**

The phrase “Vanity, thy name is woman” is a misquote of Shakespeare’s “Frailty, thy name is woman.” This error reveals how cultural perceptions shape our interpretation of literature, often reflecting contemporary biases. Recognizing such misquotes enriches our understanding of texts and their evolving meanings.

By exploring this misquote, we gain insight into the dynamic nature of language and interpretation, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in literary discourse.