15 Of The Best Lesser-Known Shakespeare Lines
Start writing a post
Entertainment

15 Of The Best Lesser-Known Shakespeare Lines

We've all heard "To be or not to be" countless times...but what about Shakespeare's other great lines?

17987
15 Of The Best Lesser-Known Shakespeare Lines
The Huffington Post

There are lots of Shakespeare quotes that are thrown around constantly, such as "To be or not to be...that is the question" (Hamlet) or, "What light through yonder window breaks?" (Romeo and Juliet) or, "Lord, what fools these mortals be!" (A Midsummer Night's Dream). However, within Shakespeare's classic plays, there are many other wonderful quotes that aren't voiced nearly as often as I think they deserve. Here are some of the ones I found in some of Shakespeare's most famous plays:

15. "Aroint thee, witch, aroint thee." -King Lear

I love the word "aroint." It sounds like a word you would say when you're really fed up with someone. Also it's very satisfying to say. We should try to bring it back.

14. "Let me wipe it first, it smells of mortality." -King Lear

I just love this. A little context here: some guy asks to shake King Lear's hand, and this is how he responds. I really want to try this just to confuse someone/make them experience a sudden existential crisis.

13. “The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace.” -A Midsummer Night's Dream

Sometimes trying really hard to accomplish something can make you lose some of your dignity. This quote encapsulates that well.

12. "To be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.” -Hamlet

Too true. Honesty is a great quality, but often rare. There is an art to it, too: sometimes it's more tactful to be less than completely honest.

11. “One fairer than my love? The all-seeing sun / Ne'er saw her match since first the world begun.” -Romeo and Juliet

Ah, the heart melts upon hearing this line. It's cheesy, yes, but eloquently put and romantic.

10. "Out, vile jelly!" -King Lear

This line is shouted from a man while he is gouging out an eye. The eye is the "vile jelly". The humor of this line in such a dark situation is delicious.

9. “A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm.” -Hamlet

It's the circle of lifffeeee.... and it moves us aallllll.... (Lion King, anyone?) Anyway, I like how thought-provoking this quote is.

8. "You are not worth the dust which the rude wind blows in your face." -King Lear

GET REKT. But seriously, this is such a great burn. To not just the woman this is said to, but also to the wind. Get rekt, "rude" wind.

7. “Come what come may, / Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.” -Macbeth

Again, this is thought-provoking. Also, quite relatable. I've experienced stressful days where time just relentlessly goes by even though I wish it would slow down for a bit. Ah, the relentless nature of time. Oh no, here comes an existential crisis.

6. “So full of artless jealousy is guilt, / It spills itself in fearing to be spilt.” -Hamlet

So true. When you feel guilty, you try so hard to cover it up that you reveal your guilt by doing so.

5. “What, you egg?” -Macbeth

AGAIN, GET REKT. SAVAGE AF. Go Macbeth. I want to try this retort out sometime. I'll let you know how it goes.

4. “And sleep, that sometime shuts up sorrow's eye, Steal me awhile from mine own company.” -A Midsummer Night's Dream

I think we've all been there: after a rough day, it's really nice to go to bed and just take a break from life for a bit.

3. "Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers.” -Romeo and Juliet

For sure. After baking cookies, it's one of life's great joys to lick cookie batter off your fingers.

2. “More matter with less art.” -Hamlet

Shakespeare knows what's up. This quote is so applicable, even today. For instance, it's all too common to see a movie with great special effects but no storyline.

1. "Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn.” -Romeo and Juliet

I love this, because it's human nature to idealizes romance and love. In reality, though, love is difficult and loving someone contains a whole range of emotions, not just happiness and bliss.


I guess Shakespeare actually does deserve all the recognition he's gotten and continues to get. These aren't even his most famous lines, yet they still contain a lot of relatable messages. Go ahead and try some of them out on your friends. Especially "What, you egg?" and "Aroint thee." Just don't blame me for any consequences that result from saying them.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments