Who said “A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then…”?

Verified

William Shakespeare. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceMacbeth, Act V, scene v.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Macbeth, Act V, scene v..

APA

Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9622-a-walking-shadow-a-poor-player-that-struts/

MLA

Shakespeare, William. “A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9622-a-walking-shadow-a-poor-player-that-struts/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Shakespeare, William. “A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9622-a-walking-shadow-a-poor-player-that-struts/.