Hamlet: Famous Lines

Famous Lines

William Shakespeare coined a number of phrases that we still use today, including (in varying forms) the following fromHamlet.

 

“The lady protests to much, methinks.” 

-Gertrude 3.2.218

 

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

-Hamlet 3.1.57

 

“To thine own self be true.”

-Polonius 1.3.79

 

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t.”

-Polonius 2.2.195

 

“The play’s the thing…”

-Hamlet 2.2.565

 

“Brevity is the soul of wit.”

-Polonius 2.2.92

 

“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

-Hamlet 1.5.168

 

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

-Marcellus 1.4.95

 

“Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him Horatio.”

-Hamlet 5.1.161

Utah Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We hope this Study Guide is helpful. As a note, it is for general knowledge and may not be specifically in reference to our production(s). While you’re here you may want to explore the Festival a bit further. You can learn about this Tony Award-winning theatre company, our plays, and so much more by visiting our home page.

What's On

images/2026plays_webtemplate-bookcubplay.jpg

July 14 - October 3, 2026

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

images/2026plays_web_sheloves.jpg

June 24 - October 3, 2026

Randall L. Jones Theatre

images/2026plays_webtemplate-frankenstein.jpg

July 13 - October 3, 2026

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

images/2026plays_web_hamlet.jpg

June 19 - September 4, 2026

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

images/2026plays_web_twelfthn.jpg

June 20 - September 5, 2026

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

images/2026plays_web_troicress.jpg

June 18 - September 3, 2026

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

images/2026plays_web_seehow.jpg

June 23 - September 4, 2026

Randall L. Jones Theatre

images/2026plays_web_somethingrotten.jpg

June 22 - October 3, 2026

Randall L. Jones Theatre

© Utah Shakespeare Festival 2025 www.bard.org Cedar City, Utah