No, ’tis not so deep as a well nor so wide as a church-door, but ’tis enough, ’twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.
What does this pun mean?
By the way the thing that is not deep as a well is refering to the wound. Shakespeare!
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This pun is from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. In this particular soliloquy, Mercutio is gravely injured and aware that he is about to die. When Mercutio says, "No, 'tis not so deep as a well nor so wide as a church-door, but 'tis enough, 'twill serve," he is making a play on words.
Here's an explanation of the pun:
- "Not so deep as a well": Mercutio suggests that his wound is not as deep as a well, meaning that it may not appear to be fatal at first glance. He is comparing the size of the wound to a well, which is a deep hole used for storing water.
- "Not so wide as a church-door": Mercutio suggests that his wound is not as wide as a church-door, indicating that it may not seem very significant. He is comparing the size of the wound to the wide doors of a church.
- "But 'tis enough, 'twill serve": Despite the seemingly inconspicuous nature of his wound, Mercutio believes that it is substantial enough to bring about his death. He says that it will be enough and will serve its purpose.
In essence, Mercutio uses this pun to express that although his wound may not appear too severe, it is indeed fatal, and he expects to die.