Some Are Born Great Quote Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night is a play by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1601. The play is a comedy that follows the story of Viola, a young woman who dresses up as a man to work for Duke Orsino. The play is known for its memorable quotes, including "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." This quote has become one of Shakespeare's most famous, and is often used in popular culture.
Origins of the Quote
The quote "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" is spoken by Malvolio, a character in Twelfth Night. In the play, Malvolio is a steward in the household of Olivia, a wealthy countess. Malvolio is ambitious and dreams of rising above his station, which is why he delivers this quote to Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch.
It is unclear whether Shakespeare came up with the quote himself or if it was a popular saying of the time. However, the quote has since become synonymous with Shakespeare and his works.
Interpretations of the Quote
The quote "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some people believe that the quote means that some people are naturally destined for greatness, while others must work hard to achieve it. Others interpret the quote to mean that greatness can come to anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Regardless of the interpretation, the quote is often used to inspire people to strive for greatness in their own lives.
Use in Popular Culture
The quote "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" has been used in a variety of different contexts in popular culture. It has been referenced in movies, TV shows, books, and even songs. The quote has become so well-known that it is often used as a shorthand for the idea of greatness.
For example, in the movie She's the Man, the main character Viola (named after the Twelfth Night character) writes the quote on a soccer ball to inspire her team. In the TV show The West Wing, the character Josh Lyman uses the quote to inspire his staff. And in the book The Fault in Our Stars, the character Hazel Grace uses the quote to describe her relationship with Augustus Waters.
Conclusion
The quote "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" is one of William Shakespeare's most famous lines. It has been interpreted in many different ways over the years, but it remains a powerful reminder that greatness can come from many different sources. Whether you are born with greatness, achieve it through hard work, or have it thrust upon you by circumstance, the important thing is to embrace it and use it to make a difference in the world.