Shakespeare's Famous Lines: Seeds of Familiarity

When many people think of William Shakespeare, they picture a veritable treasure trove of famous lines and phrases that permeate our modern language. It's often said that so many of his lines are instantly recognizable and have become a part of our everyday vocabulary. But how many of these famous lines can be credited to his own invention, and how many were inherited, transformed, or popularized by Shakespeare himself?

Modern Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Shakespeare occasionally resorted to raided lines or sayings from elsewhere, with some lines attributed to him being mere collage of famous sayings. However, this perspective fails to appreciate the genius of Shakespeare's ability to elevate and transform existing phrases into timeless, unforgettable gems.

Consider the story of a potential theatergoer who, after seeing a play, declared that "All Shakespeare did was put a lot of famous sayings together." This might seem like a dismissive retort, but it's actually quite ironic. In his plays and sonnets, Shakespeare not only initiated numerous famous sayings, but he also elevated their meanings and contexts in a way that made them resonate with a wider audience.

Lines That Rose to Fame in His Works

Shakespeare's power lies in his innovation and the rich contexts in which he placed familiar phrases. Here are a few examples of famous lines that, although shrouded in the mists of time, gained their greatest potential in the hands of Shakespeare:

Remembrance of Things Past

The famous phrase "Remembrance of things past" originally appeared in the Bishop's Bible, an early English-language translation of the Bible. While this phrase was already in the public domain, Shakespeare transformed it into a captivating line in one of his sonnets, making it a household name in the context of romantic yearning and nostalgia.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

A variation of this phrase, "All that glistens is not gold," appeared in "The Merchant of Venice," where it was used in the Casket Test. The context of the Casket Test added a layer of intrigue and depth to the adage, which dates back to the 12th or 13th century. Shakespeare's brilliance lies in his ability to make the old saying relevant and memorable within his complex narrative.

Pandering

The word "pandering" found its origin in the character of Uncle Pandarus, who acts as a go-between Troilus and Cressida in their namesake play. Uncle Pandarus' role in facilitating a romantic relationship between the two characters gave birth to the term. Notably, Geoffrey Chaucer had already introduced these characters a few centuries earlier, but Shakespeare's portrayal brought the term into contemporary consciousness.

Et Tu, Brute?

A case of twisted history and linguistic misattribution, "Et tu, Brute?" has long been accepted as the last words of Julius Caesar. In reality, Ephialtes, the assassin, says "And you, Casar?" which would be more accurately rendered as "Et tu, Casar?" (you, as in the second person) in Latin. Shakespeare, however, used the phrase "Et tu, Brute?" in Plutarch's "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans," and it has since become the accepted version. The irony, therefore, is that Plutarch himself was unsure about Caesar's final words, yet Shakespeare's adaptation has made it a staple of historical literature and cultural references.

Reflections on Shakespeare's Artistry

This exploration of famous lines reveals much about Shakespeare's artistry and his unique ability to infuse existing ideas with fresh, vivid life. While some phrases may have originated elsewhere, Shakespeare's brilliance lies in his creativity and his ability to weave these phrases into the fabric of his plays and sonnets in such a way that they resonate with audiences and become cultural touchstones.

Shakespeare's ingenuity in repurposing and transforming existing sayings into memorable and impactful lines demonstrates his role not just as a playwright, but as a connector of ideas and a shaper of language. His genius is evident in the enduring relevance of his works and the countless phrases that have become a part of our linguistic heritage.

Conclusion

So, next time you hear a famous line that has become a part of popular culture, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind it and the transformative power of Shakespeare's artistry. His genius lies in elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary, making his works timeless jewels in the crown of world literature.