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Who are the most influential literary figures of all time and what are their most famous quotes?

Wyman Lonie

Well, that's a tough one! There have been so many great literary figures throughout history, it's hard to pick just a few. However, based on some polls and surveys, I can make a list of some of the most influential ones.

First of all, we have William Shakespeare, considered by many the greatest playwright ever. Some of his most famous quotes include "To be or not to be, that is the question", "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players", and "The course of true love never did run smooth". His plays, like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello, are still performed around the world and studied in schools.

Another literary figure that cannot be left out is Charles Dickens. He wrote some of the most iconic novels of the 19th century, such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. Some of his most famous quotes include "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", "Please, sir, I want some more", and "The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again". His stories often portrayed the harsh realities of life in Victorian England, and his characters were memorable and relatable.

Moving on to the 20th century, we have George Orwell, who wrote classics such as Animal Farm and 1984. His work reflected his political and social views, and his quotes like "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others", and "Big Brother is watching you", have become part of our cultural lexicon. His books are still relevant today, as we grapple with issues like surveillance and government control.

We cannot forget about Ernest Hemingway, who is often cited as one of the greatest American writers. His novels, such as The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Old Man and the Sea, are known for their spare and direct prose, and their exploration of themes like war, love, and masculinity. Hemingway's quotes, like "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places", and "The first draft of anything is garbage", continue to inspire and resonate with readers.

Finally, we have J.K. Rowling, who has become a literary phenomenon in our time. Her Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into over 80 languages. Her stories have captivated millions of young readers, and her quotes, like "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities", and "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light", have become part of the Potterverse fandom.

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but I hope it gives you an idea of some of the most influential literary figures of all time, and their most famous quotes.