Discovering the Identity of the Proclaimer: Who Said 'Some are Born Great' in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

Have you ever heard the saying some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them? This famous quote from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night has been used time and time again to inspire and motivate people to strive for greatness. But who exactly said it in the play? Was it one of the main characters like Viola or Orsino? Or perhaps one of the comedic sidekicks like Sir Toby Belch or Sir Andrew Aguecheek? In this article, we'll explore the origins of this iconic line and dive into the characters who may have said it.

First things first, let's break down the quote itself. Some are born great suggests that there are certain individuals who are destined for greatness from birth, whether it be due to their social status, wealth, or natural abilities. Some achieve greatness implies that others can work hard and attain greatness through their own efforts and determination. And finally, some have greatness thrust upon them suggests that some people stumble into greatness by chance or circumstance.

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff - who actually said this line in Twelfth Night? The truth is, it's not entirely clear. The line is spoken by the character Malvolio, a pompous steward who is tricked into believing that his mistress Olivia is in love with him. However, it's unclear whether Malvolio is simply quoting a popular saying of the time, or if he is the original author of the line.

But let's not get bogged down in semantics - what's important is the meaning behind the words. The quote is often used to encourage people to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars. It reminds us that greatness can come in many forms, and that we all have the potential to achieve it in our own way.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Shakespearean play without a healthy dose of humor and wit. Twelfth Night is no exception, and the characters who populate its world are some of the most memorable and hilarious in all of Shakespeare's works.

Take Sir Toby Belch, for example. He's a drunken, bawdy knight who takes great pleasure in tormenting his uptight counterpart, Malvolio. Or how about Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a dim-witted suitor vying for Olivia's hand in marriage? His attempts to win her over are both cringe-worthy and hilarious at the same time.

But it's not just the male characters who get to have all the fun. Viola, the play's heroine, poses as a man in order to work for Duke Orsino and eventually falls in love with him. Her witty banter and clever disguises make her a fan favorite, and her eventual reunion with her twin brother Sebastian is one of the play's most heartwarming moments.

As we delve deeper into the world of Twelfth Night, it becomes clear that the play is not just a simple comedy - it's a complex exploration of love, identity, and the human condition. The characters may be larger-than-life, but their struggles and desires are all too real.

So, who said some are born great in Twelfth Night? The answer may never be fully known, but what we do know is that the quote has endured for centuries as a testament to the power of greatness and the potential within us all. And really, isn't that what Shakespeare was all about - reminding us of our own humanity, even in the midst of all the laughter and merriment?

In conclusion, Twelfth Night is a masterpiece of comedy, wit, and heart. Whether you're a fan of the play's iconic characters or simply love a good Shakespearean pun, there's something for everyone in this timeless classic. So go forth and achieve greatness - who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one quoting some are born great to inspire others.

Introduction

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is known for its witty dialogues, humorous characters and intricate plot. One of the most memorable lines from the play is Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. This line is spoken by the character Malvolio, who is a pompous and self-important steward. But who said this famous quote in Twelfth Night?

The origin of the quote

The quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them is actually not original to Twelfth Night. It was first written by Sir John Harrington in his book The Metamorphosis of Ajax, published in 1596. Shakespeare may have borrowed the line from Harrington and used it in Twelfth Night.

Malvolio and the quote

In Twelfth Night, Malvolio is a character who is full of himself and thinks he is better than everyone else. He often talks about his own greatness and how he deserves to be treated like a nobleman. When Malvolio says the famous quote, he is trying to impress Olivia, his employer, by showing off his knowledge of classical literature. However, his attempt backfires and Olivia makes fun of him.

The irony of the quote

The irony of the quote lies in the fact that Malvolio, who is so obsessed with his own greatness, is actually a ridiculous and laughable character. He is constantly made fun of by the other characters in the play, who see through his pretensions. By using the quote in this context, Shakespeare is mocking the idea of greatness and showing that it is often just an illusion.

The three types of greatness

The quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them can be interpreted in different ways. Some people are born into privileged positions, others work hard to achieve success, and still others are forced into greatness by circumstances beyond their control. In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare explores all three types of greatness through his characters.

Examples of born greatness

Olivia, the wealthy noblewoman who is the object of many characters' affections in Twelfth Night, is an example of someone who is born great. She has inherited her wealth and status from her father and does not have to work for it. However, her privileged position does not bring her happiness, and she becomes infatuated with the disguised Viola, who she believes is a man.

Examples of achieved greatness

Viola, the protagonist of Twelfth Night, is an example of someone who achieves greatness through hard work and determination. After being shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, she disguises herself as a man and begins working for Duke Orsino. Through her intelligence and resourcefulness, she becomes a trusted advisor to the Duke and helps him win the love of Olivia.

Examples of thrust upon greatness

Finally, Malvolio is an example of someone who has greatness thrust upon him. When he receives a letter that he believes is from Olivia, telling him that she loves him and wants him to dress up in ridiculous yellow stockings, he becomes convinced that he is destined to marry her and become a nobleman. However, the letter is actually a prank played on him by the other characters, and he ends up being locked up in a dark room for his delusions.

The lesson of the quote

The lesson of the quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them is that greatness is not always what it seems. People who are born into privilege may not be happy, those who work hard may not always succeed, and those who are forced into greatness may be delusional. Shakespeare uses this quote in Twelfth Night to show that true greatness comes from within, and cannot be measured by wealth or status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them is a memorable line from Twelfth Night that has become part of our cultural lexicon. Although it was not original to Shakespeare, he used it in a clever and ironic way to mock the idea of greatness and show that it is often just an illusion. By exploring the three types of greatness through his characters, Shakespeare teaches us that true greatness comes from within, and cannot be measured by external factors.

The Not-So-Great Beginning

The Great Expectation

The Great Disappointment

The Mediocre Middle Child

The Great Pretender

The Great Escape

The Great Revelation

The Great Divide

The Great Comeback

The Great Realization

In conclusion, Malvolio may have said Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them, but he did not understand the true meaning behind those words. He learned that greatness is not about wealth, power or status, but about being a good person and treating others with kindness and respect. Twelfth Night is a play that teaches us all an important lesson about life and the importance of humility.

Who Said Some Are Born Great In Twelfth Night?

The Story

Once upon a time, in the land of Illyria, there was a young man named Malvolio who truly believed that he was born great. He strutted around like a peacock, flaunting his self-importance for all to see. His arrogance was so insufferable that even his fellow servants couldn't stand him.

One day, Malvolio overheard a conversation between Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek. The two were discussing the notion that some people are simply born great, while others have greatness thrust upon them. Malvolio, being the egomaniac that he was, assumed that they were talking about him. He grinned from ear to ear, convinced that his greatness had finally been recognized.

But, as it turned out, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew were actually discussing the recent arrival of a young woman named Viola. Viola had disguised herself as a man named Cesario and had quickly won the favor of Duke Orsino, the ruler of Illyria. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew were marveling at how this young woman had managed to achieve such a high status in such a short amount of time.

Malvolio, however, didn't realize this. He went around telling everyone that he was destined for greatness and that it was only a matter of time before he was recognized as such. Everyone rolled their eyes and tried to avoid him as much as possible.

Point of View

The point of view in this story is that of a humorous observer. We can see how ridiculous Malvolio's behavior is, and we can laugh at the way he misinterprets Sir Toby and Sir Andrew's conversation. The tone is lighthearted and playful, poking fun at Malvolio's delusions of grandeur.

Table Information

Farewell, My Fellow Twelfth Night Enthusiasts!

Well, well, well. It seems that our journey into the world of Twelfth Night has come to an end. But before we bid adieu, I must say, it has been quite the ride! We've explored the characters, themes, and even some of the famous quotes from this timeless Shakespearean comedy. But there's one quote in particular that has stuck with me throughout this entire journey, and that is: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Now, this quote is spoken by none other than Malvolio, who is convinced that he is destined for greatness. And while his aspirations may seem delusional, there may be some truth to this quote. After all, some people are indeed born with certain advantages, whether it be wealth, talent, or privilege. But for the rest of us mere mortals, greatness must be earned through hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck.

Take Viola, for example. She may not have been born into nobility, but she certainly achieved greatness through her wit, charm, and quick thinking. By disguising herself as a man and infiltrating the Duke's court, she was able to prove her worth and earn the respect of those around her. And let's not forget about Sir Toby Belch, who may not have achieved greatness in the traditional sense, but certainly had greatness thrust upon him in the form of a rich wife.

Of course, there are also those characters who are born great, but fail to live up to their potential. Orsino, for instance, is a nobleman who commands respect and admiration, but he spends most of the play moping around and pining for Olivia. And then there's Malvolio, who is so obsessed with the idea of greatness that he completely loses touch with reality.

But enough about the characters. Let's talk about us, the readers (or viewers, if you prefer). What can we learn from this quote? Well, for starters, it reminds us that greatness is not a given. We must work for it, strive for it, and sometimes even fight for it. And even then, there are no guarantees. But that doesn't mean we should give up on our dreams of greatness. After all, as Viola says, Dare to be great!

So, my dear Twelfth Night enthusiasts, as we bid farewell to this wonderful play, let us remember the lessons we've learned. Let us remember that greatness is within reach, but it takes effort and perseverance to achieve it. And let us also remember that sometimes, the greatest moments in life come from the unexpected, just like Viola's surprise reunion with her brother, or the hilarious antics of Sir Toby and his friends.

I hope you've enjoyed this journey as much as I have. It's been a pleasure exploring the world of Twelfth Night with you, and I wish you all the best in your own pursuits of greatness. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll look back on this moment and say, Some were born great, some achieved greatness, and some had greatness thrust upon them...and we were among them.

Farewell, my friends, and until next time!

Who Said Some Are Born Great In Twelfth Night?

People Also Ask:

1. What is the context of the quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them in Twelfth Night?

The quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them appears in Act II, Scene V of William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night. The character who says this line is Malvolio, who is reading a letter that he believes to be from his mistress, Olivia.

2. What does the quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them mean?

The quote means that there are different ways in which people can become great. Some people are born with qualities that make them great, while others work hard to achieve greatness. Still, others may not have set out to be great, but circumstances or other people force them into positions of power and influence.

3. Is the quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them meant to be taken seriously?

The quote is often used humorously because it is spoken by the pompous and self-important Malvolio, who is mocking the idea of greatness. However, the quote itself is a serious reflection on the nature of greatness and how it can be attained. So, while the context of the quote may be humorous, its meaning is not necessarily so.

Answer:

The quote Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them is said by the character Malvolio in Twelfth Night. The quote reflects on the different ways in which people can become great and is both serious and humorous in its context. So, if you're looking for a witty response to the question of who said this quote, you could always say Well, it depends on whether you mean Malvolio or Shakespeare!