The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 2
“All that glisters is not gold” is a quote that originated in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. It is commonly used today with the word “glitter” instead of “glisters.” The quote is a simple one. It is easy to understand and can apply to various circumstances. Although the Prince of Morocco encounters it in his search to choose the right casket and marry Portia, one might utilize it in everyday life about far more mundane things.
Shakespeare demonstrates alliteration in this quote. That is the use of the same constant sound at the beginning of multiple words. In this case, “glisters” and “gold” create an additional element of rhythm in the line.
