Knock Quote by Jack Goldstein
““Shakespeare invented the Knock Knock joke, with the first one appearing in his play Macbeth. Here it is (and prepare yourself, it’s a cracker)... ‘Knock, knock, knock! Who’s there, i’ th’ name of Beelzebub? Here’s a farmer that hanged himself on the expectation of plenty. Come in time, have napkins enough about you, here you’ll sweat for ‘t.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare, 1606
A humorous claim that Shakespeare created the modern knock‑knock joke, illustrated with a bizarre, dark punchline.
In simple terms: Shakespeare allegedly invented a joke format, ending with a strange line.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humor’s roots in classic literature.
Themes
literature
humor
history
culture
creativity
Mood
playful
ironic
curious
Type
anecdotal
satirical
When to use this quote
- theatre class
- comedy writing
- literary analysis
- cultural studies
Key Concepts
folklore
comedy
intertextuality
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the claim about Shakespeare factual?
- How does absurdity affect comedic impact?
A Different Perspective
The quote mixes fact with fiction, making its historical accuracy doubtful.
