Exploring the Shakespearean Quotation in the Book of Mormon

The question of whether a Shakespearean quotation appears in the Book of Mormon has intrigued many readers for years. This article aims to delve into the origins of the quotation, its presence in various writings, and its potential connections to the Book of Mormon's golden plates.

The Quotation in Question

The Shakespearean quotation in question is 'from whom no traveler can return,' which appears in the book of Job. This line is historically significant and was used by ancient authors to describe death. The quote is found in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 1:7, where it is part of a farewell message from Lehi to his family. It is also mentioned in a smaller context in a quotation from Shakespeare's Hamlet, specifically in the opening monologue.

Historical Context and Literary Connections

The quote 'from which no traveler can return' has been used by many ancient and contemporary writers to describe death. It appears in the book of Job and is a reflection of a common theme in literature and religious texts: the finality of death.

In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the protagonist Hamlet utters the line:

But that the dread and weight of mortality / Pride, Coltsfoot, Disillusionment, the rest / Is nothing till it sickle us and we shall yield / To nothing thus: this diminishes me so.

The line, 'That undiscovered country from whose bourn / No traveler returns,' is clearly the source of the quotation in the Book of Mormon. This connection has led some to speculate about the origins of the Book of Mormon's use of the quotation.

Origins of the Quotation

The original quotation in the book of Job dates back to a time when other biblical figures were dealing with similar themes of death and mourning. This means that the Book of Mormon writer, Lehi, had access to this ancient text. Similarly, Shakespeare had access to the Bible, which explains the presence of the quotation in his writing.

However, the Book of Mormon itself is supposed to be an abridgment of records written on golden plates. It is essential to consider how Lehi and others who contributed to the writing might have been familiar with certain biblical texts or ideas. While the Book of Mormon claims to be a translation of these ancient records, it doesn't necessarily mean that every quote or idea in it is copied directly from other sources.

The Shakespearean quotation serves to enhance the poetic quality of the farewell message from Lehi. The use of such a line in a work from biblical times provides a beautiful and moving farewell to a loved one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shakespearean quotation in the Book of Mormon is indeed a significant literary connection with ancient and contemporary texts. It highlights the rich tapestry of ideas and imagery that can be found across different cultures and time periods. While the presence of this quotation might seem unusual, it is more likely the result of the cultural and literary context in which Lehi and the prophets who contributed to the Book of Mormon lived, rather than a direct copy of Shakespeare's work.

Therefore, while the Shakespearean quotation in the Book of Mormon is indeed a fascinating and intriguing aspect of the text, it does not necessarily validate the more controversial claims about the book's origins. It remains a beautiful and poetic reflection of the theme of death, a concept that has been explored and expressed by many throughout history.