What are the famous quotes from Shakespeare?
Hulton Archive / Getty Images Quotes from William Shakespeare, history's most famous playwright, are full
of passion and wisdom, and, sometimes, a shade of sarcasm. The passion in Shakespeare's writing never fails to move the reader. The Bard wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets, and his works are still performed onstage. These quotes remain relevant, as many still reflect the values and beliefs of our society, as well as the human condition. "To be, or not to be: that is the question." Perhaps the most famous of Shakespearean lines, the anguished Hamlet ponders the purpose of life and suicide in this profound soliloquy. "Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." This bit of simple wisdom, beloved to many throughout the ages, was spoken by the Countess of
Roussillon to her son, as he sets out for court far away. "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow." These lines, spoken by Juliet at the end of the famous balcony scene, describe the mixed feelings of parting
from a loved one. Mixed with the pain of separation is the anticipation of the sweetness of reunion. "Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em." "If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?" These well-known lines, implored by Shylock, are usually interpreted as a humanistic plea against
anti-Semitism, though the play is also understood by some as steeped in the tacit anti-Semitism of its time. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet is here responding to his
friend Horatio's wonderment upon their meeting with a ghost. Hamlet is reminding him that as dumbfounded as Horatio is, this vision reminds him that much exceeds his limited understanding. "If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not,
speak then to me." After hearing the witches' prophesy about Macbeth's successful future, Banquo here is asking the witches what they see about his own future. "Love sought is good, but given unsought is better." Olivia's lines in "Twelfth Night" speak of the joy of unexpected love, rather than that which is pined for. 'Antony & Cleopatra,' 3:4"If I lose mine honor, I lose myself." Antony here worries about losing himself in his devotion to Cleopatra, noting how slavish love can destroy one's honor. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' 5:1"It's not enough to speak, but to speak true." This quote of quotes speaks of the importance of truth and against empty chatter. There’s a Shakespeare quote for every situation that life may throw at you. Whether you’re struggling to find your purpose in life or you’re just jealous of your ex’s new girlfriend, the sticky situations Shakespeare’s characters find themselves in are highly relatable. Here are our favourite 16th century quotes that relate to our 21st century problems. Shakespeare on self-love
Henry Vby William ShakespeareOne of Shakespeare's gripping histories, Henry V recounts the king's remarkable victory over the French at Agincourt and the subsequent peace between the two nations. Shakespeare on overthinking
Shakespeare on love
The Merchant of Veniceby William ShakespeareInitially described as a comedy, Shakespeare's explorations of prejudice, duty and the nature of justice make The Merchant of Venice a far darker, more alluring play. Shakespeare on feminism
Shakespeare on purpose
Hamletby William ShakespeareShakespeare's dark and intoxicating Hamlet is one of his most loved tragedies. A young prince meets with his father's ghost, who alleges that his own brother murdered him. The prince devises a scheme to test the truth of the ghost's accusation, feigning wild madness while plotting a brutal revenge until his apparent insanity begins to wreak havoc on innocent and guilty alike. Shakespeare on aspiration
Shakespeare on jealousy
OthelloOthello is an intense drama of love, deception, jealousy and destruction. Desdemona's love for her husband Othello, transcends racial prejudice; but his trusted ensign, the envious Iago, conspires to devastate their lives. Shakespeare on entertaining
Shakespeare on Brexit
Richard IIIRichard, Duke of Gloucester – the bitter, deformed brother of the King – is secretly plotting to seize the throne of England. Charming and duplicitous, powerfully eloquent and viciously cruel, he is prepared to go to any lengths to achieve his goal. Shakespeare on being late
Shakespeare on life
The Tempestby William ShakespeareThe Tempest is Shakespeare's masterpiece of magical effects, redemptive romance, poetry and politics. Prospero has long been exiled from Italy and banished to a remote island with his daughter Miranda. He uses his magical powers to conjure up a fearsome storm, and his enemies, including his treacherous broth Antonio, are shipwrecked. There follows a play filled with murderous plots, drunken confusion, love and redemption. Shakespeare on power
Shakespeare on the environment
A Midsummer's Night Dreamby William ShakespeareFour young lovers find themselves lost in an enchanted forest where fairies and sprites take an interest in their affairs, dispensing love potions and mischievous spells. This vibrant comedy is perhaps the best-loved of all Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare on fashion
Shakespeare for Every Day of the Yearby Allie EsiriWilliam Shakespeare wrote at least 37 plays, 154 sonnets and a handful of longer poems and you can discover them all here. Each page of this unique collection contains an extract, which might be a famous poem, quote or scene, matched to the date. Perfect for reading or sharing this collection brings a little bit of Shakespeare into your everyday. In this episode of Book Break, Emma finds that there is a Shakespeare poem for every mood. Guest host Olivia shares some unpopular Shakespeare opinions in this episode of Book Break: What is Shakespeare's most famous quote?"To be, or not to be: that is the question." Perhaps the most famous of Shakespearean lines, the anguished Hamlet ponders the purpose of life and suicide in this profound soliloquy.
What are 5 famous quotes?Quotes by Famous People. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ... . The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ... . Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ... . If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -. What are three famous quotes from Shakespeare plays?50 Of Shakespeare's Most Famous Quotes. 1. ' To be, or not to be: that is the question' ... . 2. ' All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. ... . 3. ' Romeo, Romeo! ... . 4. ' Now is the winter of our discontent' ... . 5. ' Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?' ... . 6. ' ... . 7. ' ... . What are 5 phrases from Shakespeare?Shakespeare's Phrases. We have seen better days. We are in poor condition, worn out. ... . Cruel to be kind. Tough love, being harsh for their benefit. ... . He hath eaten me out of house and home. He ate so much there was nothing left. ... . The be-all and the end-all. ... . Foregone conclusion. ... . The world is my oyster. ... . Wild-goose chase.. |