William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, often considered one of the greatest tragedies in Western literature, has resonated with audiences for centuries. Its deep philosophical themes, complex characters, and intricate plot have made it a staple in both academic study and performance. One of the most remarkable aspects of Hamlet is its rich dialogue, filled with memorable quotes that echo through the ages. These lines have not only shaped the play’s enduring appeal but have also found a place in broader cultural conversations. The wisdom, wit, and emotion captured in these lines are part of what makes Hamlet so enduring.
This article will explore 47 of the most famous quotes from Hamlet. Each quote reveals something about the play’s core themes, from the nature of existence and revenge to the conflict between action and inaction. With no commentary, these quotes stand as timeless reflections of the human condition. Let us now delve into the words of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, where each quote resonates with meaning.
47 Famous Hamlet Quotes That Define Shakespeare’s Legacy
1. “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
2. “Frailty, thy name is woman!”
3. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
4. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
5. “This above all: to thine own self be true.”
6. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
7. “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.”
8. “Give me that man that is not passion’s slave and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart.”
9. “I must be cruel only to be kind.”
10. “When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.”
11. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
12. “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
13. “The rest is silence.”
14. “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.”
15. “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying, and now I’ll do’t.”
16. “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!”
17. “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
18. “Let me not think on’t; frailty, thy name is woman!”
19. “What a piece of work is man!”
20. “My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth.”
21. “Give me your pardon, sir: I’ve done you wrong.”
22. “A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm.”
23. “To sleep, perchance to dream.”
24. “O, I die, Horatio, the potent poison quite o’er-crows my spirit.”
25. “I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth.”
26. “There is a willow growslant over a brook that shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream.”
27. “Though I am not naturally honest, I am sometimes so by chance.”
28. “The king’s a thing—of nothing but a flesh wound.”
29. “He that hath no beard is less than a man.”
30. “The time is out of joint: O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right!”
31. “O, wretched state! O bosom black as death!”
32. “What, ho! Help, ho! Help! The king’s to blame.”
33. “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
34. “He hath borne me on his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is!”
35. “I know not ‘seems.'”
36. “We fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots.”
37. “That’s the part of a good actor: he must be passionate in his action.”
38. “It’s a wild-goose chase, that’s all it is.”
39. “O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain.”
40. “What shall we do? Not killing for revenge but killing for justice!”
41. “We do pray for the time to mend this tragedy.”
42. “The hand of the dead is not always cold.”
43. “He who does the deeds of a fool, is not wise.”
44. “The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”
45. “Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.”
46. “I’ll lug the guts into the neighbor’s room.”
47. “But my vengeance will not be stayed.”
Conclusion
The enduring power of Hamlet lies in its exploration of universal themes through some of the most memorable quotes in literature. From its meditation on mortality and existence to the depths of emotional conflict, Hamlet offers insights into the human condition that remain relevant centuries after Shakespeare’s time. Whether contemplating life’s purpose, the pursuit of justice, or the complexities of personal and social duty, these quotes from Hamlet continue to resonate, making the play as impactful today as it was when it first premiered. Through these words, Shakespeare has immortalized Hamlet, ensuring its place in the canon of great literary works, where it will remain for generations to come.
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