Putting English Literature Into English

There is perhaps no greater field in academia that has spent as much ink on critically analyzing quotes from history than English Literature. Entire fields and subfields are dedicated to critical analysis of the works of Shakespeare, Keats, Yeats and the like. However due to the nature of peer review, much of the historical insights and arguments that these subfields have provided to the world are often inaccessible to the world. Peer-reviewed journals typically exist behind a paywall and are only accessible to students and professors with an academic affiliation.

However, we at Quotes Explained, are lucky to have access to such information. However the work of synthesizing and critically analyzing such academic analysis is also complicated by the fact that language barrier between subfields. In this section of the website we'll attempt to provide some of the most famous quotes from English literature and explain them in a way that can be understood by a modern audience (who possess a modern English vocabulary). 

Also, please keep in mind that each page is open to revision and update as new interpretations and arguments come in. If you're looking to have a particular quote explained, head over to the contact page to submit the request. If the quote isn't already in the queue, we'll add it!

Note if you do spot any errors on any page, please use the form on the corresponding page to notify us of the error. If an error has been made, we'll make a change and update the corresponding page noting the correction. However please make sure to include links to the correct references when submitting the request for a correction.  

Looking to have your own critical analysis published? While we're currently looking for a dedicated editor to handle such requests, you can head over to the contact page now if you can't wait. Though publication is not guaranteed, no submission will go unread.