Our Top 12 Classic Shakespeare Quotes & Their Meanings

Given that William Shakespeare was one of the greatest poets and playwrights of all time, his work has continuously been reintroduced and reinterpreted over the past hundreds of years. Here are a few famous classic Shakespearean quotes and what they might actually mean.

1. “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – All’s Well That Ends Well

It’s important to keep your heart open and to love, while trusting only those who have pure intentions. But even when we encounter those we don’t trust, we must treat them with respect.

2. “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – Hamlet

This comes from Hamlet‘s most famous soliloquy. Hamlet himself is contemplating whether to endure hardship or to escape it. This is quite the predicament, so it’s not surprising that this is such a famous quotation and a cornerstone of the play.

3. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

We’re in agreement here with Shakespeare’s Helena, who suggests that you don’t fall in love with someone’s beauty but rather with their personality, mind, heart and soul. In most paintings, Cupid, the Roman god of love, is usually depicted wearing a blindfold, so there’s an element of randomness or luck to love (or even fate) that goes beyond face value.

4. “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”– Julius Caesar

Our interpretation here is that Cassius is accepting the blame for his position under Caesar, and informs Brutus that if they want things to change, it’s up to them. This is a powerful move, as he refuses to blame forces that are beyond their control, such as fate or luck.

5. “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?” – Romeo & Juliet

Romeo says this quote to describe Juliet, for she’s as beautiful and bright as the sunshine beaming through the window. This isn’t the only time that Shakespeare would compare someone to good weather, either. In his most famous sonnet, No. 18, Shakespeare writes: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou are more lovely and more temperate.”

6. “Then must you speak, Of one that loved not wisely but too well.“ – Othello

Just like Othello, we all live with some regret, and at the end of the tragedy bearing his name he admits to being responsible for the passing of his wife. May this be a reminder to us all to not let love consume us, or to love with both our heads and hearts.

7. “Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow“ – Macbeth

Although Macbeth laments the brevity of life in this speech, we can also take away the idea that time isn’t promised, and we need to appreciate life more. Whether our “dusty days” pass fast or slow, we can still live out our days to the fullest.

8. “Be great in act, as you have been in thought.” – King John

We all have dreams and sometimes struggle to put them into action. Shakespeare reminds us here to release our great ideas into the world and see what unfolds. In summary, we need to act accordingly and put some physical effort into making things happen. Great ideas come from great thoughts, and as they say, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ Do what you can to make changes in your life instead of waiting for them to happen.

9. “If music be the food of love, play on.” – Twelfth Night

Just like food fuels the body, music can feed the soul. Even to this day, some of us still turn to music while we wallow from a broken heart. After hundreds of years, it’s amazing to see how music is still used as a coping mechanism.

10. “All that glisters is not gold.” – The Merchant of Venice

Since its usage in Shakespeare’s play, this has evolved into “All that glitters is not gold.” In the play, the Prince of Morocco must choose from one of three caskets, and if he makes the right choice, he will get Portia’s hand of marriage. When he opens the gold one, the inscription says “All that glisters is not gold,” and he fails the challenge. In other words, not everything is what it seems, and you can’t always trust appearances.

11. “Jesters do oft prove prophets”– King Lear

This isn’t just true to life, in that people who joke about often tap into rather deep truths (think of comedians who comment on everyday life), but it’s also true of Shakespeare’s work, where foolish characters are often the wisest or most profound.

12.“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.“ – The Tempest

The concept of the circle of life could be applied in this context, given Shakespeare use of the word “rounded”! If we want to achieve a fulfilling life, we should pursue our dreams, attempt to discover our purpose, and round off the day with sleep to preserve our energy!

Many literary critics and admirers of Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom have delved into the meanings behind his quotes. His words, crafted with unparalleled artistry, endure through the ages. We invite you to share your favorite Shakespeare quote with us and the personal significance you find within it. Your reflections may offer new insights and perspectives. Feel free to leave a comment below to share your thoughts!

If you want your favorite Shakespeare quote on a mug, t-shirt, wall art, or on a multitude of other products, please turn to Zazzle and design your own custom Shakespearean masterpiece, showcasing a phrase or image that resonates with you the most.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Hazel

Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.