英美文学经典句子摘抄(十句话的英文经典摘抄)

English and American Literature Classic Quotes

English and American literature has a rich tradition of producing some of the most profound and memorable quotes in the English language. These literary quotes serve as a testament to the power of language and the written word, and continue to inspire readers generations after they were first penned.

1. "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." - Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy's opening line from his classic novel "Anna Karenina" explores the idea that there is a universal formula for happiness, but that unhappiness can take many different forms. This quote is often used to express the idea that happiness is a simple, universal goal, while misery can be caused by a multitude of factors.

2. "To be or not to be: that is the question." - William Shakespeare

Perhaps one of the most famous quotes in all of English literature, Shakespeare's timeless line from "Hamlet" asks the ultimate philosophical question: what is the meaning of life? The phrase "to be or not to be" has become synonymous with the struggle to find one's purpose in life.

3. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

In his inaugural speech in 1933, FDR used this powerful quote to rally the American people in the midst of the Great Depression. It served as a reminder that fear can be debilitating, and that we must have the courage to face our challenges head-on.

4. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." - Jane Austen

This opening sentence of Jane Austen's beloved novel "Pride and Prejudice" has become a classic example of the author's wit and humor. It also encapsulates the societal norms of Austen's time, where marriage was often seen as a practical pursuit for women.

5. "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." - Robert Frost

This quote from Robert Frost's poem "The Pasture" has become an inspirational mantra for those facing difficult times. It reminds us that life is constantly changing, and that even in the face of adversity, we must move forward.

6. "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott

In "Little Women", Louisa May Alcott's character Jo March utters this empowering line as she faces the challenges of womanhood. It reminds us that we must face our fears head-on, and that we have the power to navigate our own lives.

7. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela's life was a testament to this quote, as he rose above his struggles to become one of the most respected leaders of our time. It is a powerful reminder that perseverance and resilience are key to achieving success.

8. "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T.S. Eliot

This quote from T. S. Eliot's poem "The Four Quartets" speaks to the idea that life is a journey of self-discovery. It reminds us that we must constantly push ourselves out of our comfort zones in order to truly understand who we are.

9. "It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling's character Albus Dumbledore speaks these words of wisdom in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". It serves as a reminder to not let our fantasies and dreams distract us from the reality of the present moment.

10. "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's final sentence in "The Great Gatsby" has become a classic literary quote that speaks to the idea of the past always having a hold on us. It reminds us that no matter how hard we try to move forward, we are always influenced by our history.

In conclusion, these ten English and American literature quotes have truly stood the test of time. They continue to inspire and resonate with readers, reminding us of the power of language and the written word.