proverbs in English literature

Here are some excellent **examples of proverbs in English literature**, perfect for TET exam preparation (English Language/Pedagogy section). Literature often uses traditional proverbs, coins new ones, or adapts them for character wisdom, moral lessons, or irony.

I’ve categorized them with the **proverb**, **author/work**, **context/quote**, **meaning**, and why it’s notable for exams.

### 1. From Geoffrey Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales & other works)

- **Proverb**: “Patience is a conquering virtue.”  

  **Work**: *The Franklin’s Tale* (or similar tales).  

  **Context**: Characters emphasize enduring hardship with patience.  

  **Meaning**: Patience helps overcome difficulties and achieve victory.  

  **Exam Tip**: Chaucer frequently uses proverbs to teach moral lessons in his tales.

- **Proverb**: “If gold rusts, what then can iron do?”  

  **Work**: *The Canterbury Tales* (Prologue/General Prologue).  

  **Context**: Referring to corrupt clergy — if leaders are bad, common people will be worse.  

  **Meaning**: If the best (gold) fails, the ordinary (iron) will surely fail.  

  **Exam Tip**: Shows social satire; often asked in comprehension or proverb identification.

### 2. From William Shakespeare (Most frequently tested in TET)

Shakespeare popularized or coined many phrases that became proverbial. Here are key examples:

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “All that glisters is not gold.” (often “glitters”)  

  **Work**: *The Merchant of Venice* (Act 2, Scene 7).  

  **Context**: Inscription on a gold casket that deceives suitors.  

  **Meaning**: Things that look valuable or attractive may not be so.  

  **Exam Tip**: Very common; pairs well with “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “The course of true love never did run smooth.”  

  **Work**: *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* (Act 1, Scene 1).  

  **Context**: Lysander speaks about obstacles in love.  

  **Meaning**: True love always faces difficulties.  

  **Exam Tip**: Frequently appears in questions on love themes or idioms/proverbs.

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”  

  **Work**: *Hamlet* (Act 2, Scene 2).  

  **Context**: Polonius says this while being long-winded himself (ironic).  

  **Meaning**: Being concise is the essence of cleverness.  

  **Exam Tip**: Tests irony and character.

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “To thine own self be true.”  

  **Work**: *Hamlet* (Act 1, Scene 3).  

  **Context**: Polonius advises his son Laertes.  

  **Meaning**: Be honest with yourself and authentic.  

  **Exam Tip**: Often linked to self-awareness or advice themes.

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “Discretion is the better part of valour.”  

  **Work**: *Henry IV, Part 1* (Falstaff).  

  **Context**: Falstaff justifies avoiding a fight.  

  **Meaning**: Being cautious is wiser than reckless bravery.  

  **Exam Tip**: Classic example of a character twisting wisdom for comic effect.

- **Proverb/Phrase**: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”  

  **Work**: *As You Like It* (Act 2, Scene 7).  

  **Context**: Jaques’ “Seven Ages of Man” speech.  

  **Meaning**: Life is like a play with different roles and stages.  

  **Exam Tip**: Philosophical proverb-like statement; common in literature questions.

### 3. From Other Literature

- **Proverb**: “Not all those who wander are lost.”  

  **Work**: J.R.R. Tolkien – *The Lord of the Rings* (spoken by Gandalf or in poems).  

  **Context**: About Strider/Aragorn or wanderers with purpose.  

  **Meaning**: Someone who seems aimless may have a clear goal.  

  **Exam Tip**: Modern literary proverb; shows how literature creates new wisdom sayings.

- **Proverb**: “Good fences make good neighbors.”  

  **Work**: Robert Frost – Poem *Mending Wall*.  

  **Context**: The neighbor repeats this while repairing the wall.  

  **Meaning**: Clear boundaries help maintain good relationships.  

  **Exam Tip**: Frequently tested in poetry/proverb application questions.

- **Proverb**: “To err is human, to forgive divine.”  

  **Work**: Alexander Pope – *An Essay on Criticism*.  

  **Context**: Discussing human mistakes and mercy.  

  **Meaning**: Everyone makes mistakes, but forgiving is a higher virtue.  

  **Exam Tip**: Classic neoclassical proverb; often compared with biblical ideas.

### Tips for TET Exams (Proverbs in Literature)

- Questions may ask:  

  – Identify the proverb and its source.  

  – Match the proverb to its meaning or literary context.  

  – Choose the best proverb for a given literary situation.  

  – Explain how the author uses the proverb (for irony, moral, character development).

- Shakespeare dominates TET literature sections — focus on *Hamlet*, *Merchant of Venice*, *As You Like It*, and *Midsummer Night’s Dream*.

- Proverbs in literature often serve **didactic** (teaching) purposes or reveal **character traits**.

- Combine with your previous practice: Many TET questions mix proverbs with idioms or ask for situational application.

📚 Good luck!