Introduction
Love has been one of the most enduring and universal themes in literature, and William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets who has explored this complex emotion in his works. In this article, we delve into the world of Shakespeare’s most famous love quotes and examine the depth and beauty of his words.
Shakespeare Love Quotes from Romeo and Juliet
Arguably Shakespeare’s most famous work, “Romeo and Juliet” explores the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers. Their love, although doomed from the start, has given us some of the most beautiful and poignant lines in literature.
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” (Act 2, Scene 2) – This iconic line highlights the forbidden nature of their love, as Juliet laments the fact that the love of her life is a member of her family’s sworn enemy.
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
“A plague o’ both your houses! They have made worms’ meat of me.” (Act 3, Scene 1)
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
“These violent delights have violent ends.” (Act 2, Scene 6)
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 1
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, but love from love, toward school with heavy looks.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Come, gentle night; come, loving, black-browed night; give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 2
“A plague o’ both your houses! They have made worms’ meat of me.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 1
Shakespeare Love Quotes for Her
Shakespeare’s female characters have inspired some of the most tender and passionate expressions of love. These quotes are perfect for expressing your devotion to the special woman in your life.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” (Sonnet 18) – In this famous sonnet, Shakespeare extols the beauty of his beloved, comparing her to a perfect summer day.
“When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” (Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5)
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1)
“One half of me is yours, the other half yours; mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours, and so all yours.” (The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 2)
“For where thou art, there is the world itself, and where thou art not, desolation.” (Henry IV, Part 2, Act 3, Scene 2)
“The sun itself sees not till heaven clears. O, from the world’s eye hide thee like a jewel.” – Sonnet 14
“Thou art as fair in knowledge as in hue, finding thy worth a limit past my praise.” – Sonnet 106
“O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem, by that sweet ornament which truth doth give!” – Sonnet 54
“The fairest votary took up that fire which many legions of true hearts had warmed.” – Venus and Adonis
“If eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being.” – Love’s Labour’s Lost, Act 4, Scene 3
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” – Sonnet 18
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1
“Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.” – Twelfth Night, Act 3, Scene 1
“Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love.” – Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 2
“One half of me is yours, the other half yours—mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours, and so all yours.” – The Merchant of Venice, Act 3, Scene 2
Eternal Love Quotes Shakespeare
The concept of eternal love has been a central theme in many of Shakespeare’s works. These quotes speak to the timeless nature of true love.
“Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come; love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom.” (Sonnet 116) – This powerful sonnet emphasizes that true love is constant and unchanging, even in the face of time’s relentless march.
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” (The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1)
“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” (Sonnet 18)
“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.” (Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2)
“I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes.” (Much Ado About Nothing, Act 5, Scene 2)
“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove. O no, it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.” – Sonnet 116
“Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come.” – Sonnet 116
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade, nor lose possession of that fair thou owest.” – Sonnet 18
“Though I am not naturally honest, I am sometimes so by chance.” – The Winter’s Tale, Act 4, Scene 4
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5 (paraphrased)
“Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom.” – Sonnet 116
“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove.” – Sonnet 116
“My love as rare, as any she belied with false compare.” – Sonnet 130
“So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” – Sonnet 18
“What’s mine is yours, and what is yours is mine.” – Measure for Measure, Act 5, Scene 1
Shakespeare Love Quotes for Weddings
A wedding is a celebration of love, and Shakespeare’s quotes capture the beauty and depth of this most special occasion.
“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove. O no, it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.” (Sonnet 116) – This quote serves as a reminder that true love is steadfast and unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
“Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.” (Venus and Adonis)
“If music be the food of love, play on.” (Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 1)
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you; is not that strange?” (Much Ado About Nothing, Act 4, Scene 1)
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” (The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1)
“Marriage is a matter of more worth than to be dealt in by attorneyship.” – Henry VI, Part 1, Act 5, Scene 5
“Let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me.” – Much Ado About Nothing, Act 1, Scene 2
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1
“The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.” – As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 4
“My heart is ever at your service.” – Timon of Athens, Act 1
“The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.” – As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 4
“Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.” – Henry VI, Part 3, Act 4, Scene 6
“Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.” – Venus and Adonis
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that strange?” – Much Ado About Nothing, Act 4, Scene 1
“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – Twelfth Night, Act 3, Scene 3
Shakespeare Love Quotes for Him
Shakespeare’s love quotes can be equally moving and romantic when dedicated to the special man in your life.
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove.” (Sonnet 116) – This quote from the famous sonnet reminds us that true love is constant and unwavering.
“Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.” (Twelfth Night, Act 3, Scene 1)
“My heart is ever at your service.” (Timon of Athens, Act 1, Scene 2)
“My love as rare, as any she belied with false compare.” (Sonnet 130)
“I know no ways to mince it in love, but directly to say ‘I love you.'” (Henry V, Act 5, Scene 2)
“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.” – Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” – The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1
“If I could write the beauty of your eyes, and in fresh numbers number all your graces, the age to come would say ‘This poet lies; such heavenly touches ne’er touched earthly faces.'” – Sonnet 17
“For where thou art, there is the world itself, and where thou art not, desolation.” – Henry IV, Part 2, Act 3, Scene 2
“I am bound unto the Lordship of your love.” – Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 4, Scene 1
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you—is not that strange?”-Much Ado About Nothing,Act IV, Scene i
“Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” – Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” – The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1
“I know no ways to mince it in love, but directly to say ‘I love you.'” – Henry V, Act 5, Scene 2
“Swear by thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry, and I’ll believe thee.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
Shakespeare Sad Love Quotes
Even in the depths of heartbreak, Shakespeare’s words offer solace and understanding. These quotes speak to the darker side of love and the pain it can sometimes bring.
“Frailty, thy name is woman!” (Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 2) – Hamlet’s famous line captures the bitterness and disappointment he feels towards his mother’s betrayal.
“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs.” (Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 1)
“Men have died from time to time, and worms have eaten them, but not for love.” (As You Like It, Act 4, Scene 1)
“Love is merely a madness.” (As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2)
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1)
“Love is merely a madness.” – As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2
“This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
“For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright, who art as black as hell, as dark as night.” – Sonnet 147
“The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.” – Othello, Act 1, Scene 3
“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.” – Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5
“Love is merely a madness, and I tell you, deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do.” – As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2
“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” – Romeo and Juliet, Act 5, Scene 3
“Thus have I had thee as a dream doth flatter, in sleep a king, but waking no such matter.” – Sonnet 87
“Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” – Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5
“Love is too young to know what conscience is.” – Sonnet 151
Shakespeare Love Quotes from Hamlet
“Hamlet” may be a tragedy, but it still contains some of Shakespeare’s most poignant and thought-provoking love quotes. These lines remind us of the power and complexity of love in the face of adversity.
“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.” (Act 2, Scene 2) – In this quote, Hamlet reassures Ophelia of his unwavering love for her, despite the turmoil surrounding them.
“To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them.” (Act 3, Scene 1)
“Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.” (Act 3, Scene 2)
“In my mind’s eye, Horatio.” (Act 1, Scene 2)
“The rest is silence.” (Act 5, Scene 2)
“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3
“Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue.” – Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2
“Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.” – Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2
“Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remembered.” – Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1
“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember; and there is pansies, that’s for thoughts.” – Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5
“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” – Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3
“To be or not to be, that is the question—whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them?” – Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1
“Doubt that the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move his aides, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” – Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
“Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.” – Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2
“I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum.” – Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are some of the most popular Shakespeare love sonnets?
Some popular Shakespeare love sonnets include Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), Sonnet 116 (“Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments”), and Sonnet 130 (“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun”).
2. How did Shakespeare’s own experiences with love influence his writing?
While we can’t know for certain how Shakespeare’s personal life influenced his writing, it is believed that many of his love sonnets were inspired by real-life relationships and experiences. Some scholars even suggest that the “Dark Lady” mentioned in several sonnets may have been a real person with whom Shakespeare had a passionate affair.
3. What is the significance of the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet?
The balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous and romantic scenes in all of literature. It symbolizes the forbidden nature of Romeo and Juliet’s love, as they are members of feuding families. The scene also showcases some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful and poetic language.
4. What are some lesser-known Shakespeare quotes about love?
Some lesser-known Shakespeare love quotes include:
- “Love’s reason’s without reason.” (Cymbeline, Act 4, Scene 2)
- “There’s beggary in the love that can be reckoned.” (Antony and Cleopatra, Act 1, Scene 1)
- “When love speaks, the voice of all the gods makes heaven drowsy with the harmony.” (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Act 4, Scene 3)
5. What are some examples of unrequited love in Shakespeare’s plays?
Unrequited love is a common theme in Shakespeare’s plays, such as the love triangle in “Twelfth Night,” where Viola loves Duke Orsino, who loves Olivia, who in turn loves Cesario (Viola in disguise). Another example is Helena’s love for Demetrius in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which is not reciprocated until the intervention of the mischievous Puck.
6. What is the difference between Shakespeare’s portrayal of love in comedies versus tragedies?
In Shakespeare’s comedies, love is often portrayed as a force for joy, laughter, and eventual harmony, as misunderstandings and obstacles are overcome and lovers are united. In his tragedies, love is often a catalyst for conflict, suffering, and ultimately, heartbreak and death. Despite these differences, love remains a central theme in both genres, reflecting the complexities of human emotions.
Shakespeare’s love quotes are often celebrated for their depth, beauty, and timelessness. While other authors and poets have also written eloquently about love, Shakespeare’s work remains unparalleled in its ability to capture the essence of love in all its forms – from the joys of new romance to the pain of heartbreak.
8. What are some common themes in Shakespeare’s quotes about love?
Some common themes in Shakespeare’s love quotes include the power of love to conquer all obstacles, the transformative nature of love, the constancy and faithfulness of true love, and the pain of unrequited love or lost love.
9. How do the different characters in Shakespeare’s plays experience and express love?
Shakespeare’s characters experience and express love in various ways, reflecting the diversity of human emotions and relationships. Some characters, like Romeo and Juliet, experience passionate and all-consuming love, while others, such as Beatrice and Benedick in “Much Ado About Nothing,” express their love through witty banter and playful teasing. Shakespeare’s characters also experience heartbreak, unrequited love, and the complexities of romantic relationships, making his portrayal of love both relatable and timeless
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s quotes on love are as diverse and profound as the human experience of love itself. From the star-crossed passion of Romeo and Juliet to the tender affection between friends, his words continue to resonate with readers and audiences worldwide. His understanding of the complexities of love – the joy, the pain, the passion, and the heartbreak – ensures that his work remains relevant and inspiring even centuries after his time. These quotes exemplify the depth and range of Shakespeare’s portrayal of love in his works. From tender expressions of affection to the melancholic aspects of love, the Bard’s words continue to resonate with readers and audiences, providing a treasure trove of insights into the complexities of human emotions.So whether you’re looking for a romantic quote to share with a loved one, words of wisdom to reflect on, or simply to appreciate the beauty of language and emotion, Shakespeare’s love quotes offer a treasure trove of inspiration and insight into the human heart.
