Enigma Wrapped In A Riddle Movie Quote
“Enigma wrapped in a riddle” is a famous movie quote from the 1962 film “Lawrence of Arabia.” The line is spoken by the character Prince Feisal, played by Sir Alec Guinness, when he describes T.E. Lawrence, the protagonist of the film, played by Peter O’Toole.
The Context of the Quote
The film is a biographical drama based on the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The character of Prince Feisal represents the Arab rebels who fought alongside Lawrence in the war.
The quote is spoken during a meeting between Prince Feisal and a British delegation led by General Allenby, played by Jack Hawkins. The British want to use the Arab rebels to defeat the Ottomans, but Feisal is skeptical of their intentions. He sees Lawrence as a mysterious figure who is hard to understand.
The full quote goes like this: “Young men make wars, and the virtues of war are the virtues of young men: courage and hope for the future. Then old men make the peace, and the vices of peace are the vices of old men: mistrust and caution. It must be so. Every new generation is a fresh invasion of savages.”
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote is often cited as an example of poetic and cryptic language. Its meaning is not immediately clear, and it requires some interpretation. Some scholars have argued that Feisal is commenting on the nature of war and peace, and how they are shaped by the different generations that participate in them.
Others have seen the quote as a critique of colonialism and imperialism, and how they disrupt the natural order of societies. Lawrence, as a British officer fighting alongside Arab rebels, embodies this disruption.
The Legacy of the Quote
“Enigma wrapped in a riddle” has become a well-known idiom in English, used to describe any situation or person that is difficult to understand or mysterious. It has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “The Office” and the movie “Batman Begins.”
The line has also been the subject of academic analysis and literary criticism. Some scholars have written entire papers on its meaning and significance in the context of “Lawrence of Arabia” and other works of art.
Conclusion
“Enigma wrapped in a riddle” is a memorable movie quote that has transcended its original context and become a part of the English language. Its cryptic and poetic language has inspired many interpretations and discussions, and it continues to be a source of fascination for scholars and fans of “Lawrence of Arabia” alike.
