Object

Picard's Complete Works of William Shakespeare

A cherished, elegantly bound collection of William Shakespeare's complete works, carried by Captain Jean-Luc Picard into a tense confrontation with Q. The volumes serve as a tangible anchor for a fierce philosophical duel, their pages bearing quotations that clash between nihilistic cynicism and humanistic hope, embodying Picard's unwavering faith in humanity despite existential threat.

1 appearances

Purpose

To provide literary and philosophical grounding for Picard's argument against Q's cynical worldview, offering a profound cultural touchstone that fuels the thematic conflict during their encounter.

Significance

The collection symbolizes the enduring power of human dignity and hope amidst cosmic indifference, transforming from mere books into battlegrounds for the fate of the crew and humanity’s ideals.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S1E11 · Hide and Q

Picard and Q’s Shakespearean Confrontation

Picard’s complete works of William Shakespeare serve as the tangible medium for the philosophical duel. Q wields the volumes to quote nihilistic passages illustrating life’s futility, while Picard counters with noble affirmations drawn from the same text. The book embodies intellectual heritage and the clash between despair and hope.

Before: Held by Q, intact and physically present in the Ready Room.

After: Slammed down by Q in frustration, left on chair as Q vanishes.

View full event