Meaning: The quote "I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart" is from the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. In this line, the character of Hamlet is expressing his determination to remember and internalize the lessons he has learned. He uses the metaphor of a watchman to convey the idea that he will guard and protect the impact of these lessons within his heart.

This quote is significant in the context of the play as it reflects Hamlet's introspective nature and his desire for self-improvement. Throughout the play, Hamlet grapples with profound moral and existential questions, and this quote encapsulates his commitment to holding onto the wisdom he gains from his experiences.

The metaphor of a watchman is particularly evocative in this context. A watchman is responsible for guarding a place or person, ensuring their safety and security. By likening the effect of the good lesson to a watchman, Hamlet emphasizes the importance of vigilance and mindfulness in preserving the impact of the lesson within his heart.

The phrase "good lesson" implies that Hamlet has learned something valuable and meaningful, something that has the potential to shape his thoughts and actions. It suggests that the lesson has had a positive influence on him, prompting him to safeguard its effects within himself.

Furthermore, the mention of "watchman to my heart" suggests that Hamlet is not only concerned with external actions but also with the inner workings of his emotions and conscience. He is determined to ensure that the lesson permeates his heart, the seat of his feelings and moral compass, and guides his future behavior.

This quote also resonates beyond the context of the play and offers a timeless reflection on the human experience. It speaks to the universal desire to hold onto valuable lessons and insights, to protect them from being forgotten or diminished over time. The notion of being a watchman to one's heart can be seen as an allegory for the importance of self-awareness and the conscious preservation of personal growth and learning.

In a broader sense, the quote invites contemplation on the nature of learning and its impact on the individual. It prompts reflection on the ways in which we internalize and retain the lessons we encounter in life, and the measures we take to ensure that they continue to shape and guide us.

In conclusion, the quote "I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart" from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" encapsulates Hamlet's determination to safeguard and uphold the impact of a valuable lesson within himself. Through the metaphor of a watchman and the emphasis on the heart, the quote conveys the importance of mindfulness, self-reflection, and the preservation of meaningful insights. It speaks to the universal human aspiration to retain and honor the lessons that shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.