Beggar Quote by William Shakespeare
![“HAMLET [...] we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table; that's the end. CLAUDIUS Alas, alas. HAMLET A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that…” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28d/william-shakespeare-4_beggar_hamlet-we-fat-all-creatures-else-to-fat_188869.jpg)
“HAMLET [...] we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table; that's the end. CLAUDIUS Alas, alas. HAMLET A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm. CLAUDIUS What dost thou mean by this? HAMLET Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2, 1601
The passage sat that all beings, regardless of rank, are ultimately consumed by decay, highlighting the equality of mortality and the futility of social distinctions.
In simple terms: All people, rich or poor, end up the same way.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the shared fate of humanity.
Themes
mortality
equality
vanity
Mood
somber
reflective
philosophical
Type
literary
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- political satire
- philosophical reflection
- literary analysis
- teaching humility
- contemplating death
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
impermanence
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view of equality affect your sense of status?
- What actions can you take knowing all are equally mortal?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the agency individuals have to shape their legacies despite mortality.
