The speaker is Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet , and the line appears in his speech to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act 2, Scene 2.

Meaning

Hamlet begins by praising humanity as noble, intelligent, and remarkable, then immediately undercuts that praise by calling people “the quintessence of dust,” showing his deep disillusionment. The speech is famous because it captures both admiration for human potential and Hamlet’s sadness about life.

Quick context

  • Speaker: Hamlet.
  • Addressee: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
  • Scene: Hamlet , Act 2, Scene 2.
  • Core idea: Human beings seem extraordinary, but Hamlet no longer feels that way emotionally.

Short answer

If you need just the name: Hamlet.