William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright of the English language, has written extensively on the subject of love. His works, filled with passion, heartbreak, and longing, offer a timeless exploration of the human heart and its many facets.
In this article, we will delve into some of Shakespeare’s most memorable quotes on love, exploring the themes and insights they offer into the complexities of this powerful emotion.
Here are some famous quotes about love from William Shakespeare’s works:
“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun.” – Sonnet 130
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” – Romeo and Juliet
- “The course of true love never did run smoothly.” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- “Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” – Sonnet 116
- “Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” – Hamlet
- “O, how this spring of love resembleth the uncertain glory of an April day!” – Twelfth Night
- “Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” – Romeo and Juliet
- “Love is a force more formidable than any other.” – Romeo and Juliet
- “If music be the food of love, play on.” – Twelfth Night
- Shakespeare’s Quotes in Romeo and Juliet
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
Table of Contents
This quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream speaks to the idea that love is a journey filled with obstacles and challenges. Shakespeare suggests that true love is not easy and that it requires perseverance, patience, and resilience. This quote can be seen as a reminder that love is a journey worth taking, despite the difficulties and setbacks that may arise along the way.
“When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”
(As You Like It, Act III, Scene V)
“My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary.”
(Wuthering Heights)
“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 II, Scene II)
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
(All’s Well That Ends Well, Act I, Scene I)
“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act I, Scene I)
“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.”
(Sonnet 116)
“To be wise and love, Exceeds man’s might.”
(Troilus and Cressida, Act III, Scene II)
“Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.”
(Twelfth Night, Act III, Scene I)
“I am yours, don’t give myself back to me.”
Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II)
“Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?”
(As You Like It, Act III, Scene V)
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act I, Scene I)
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you.”
(Much Ado About Nothing, Act IV, Scene I)
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.”
(Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene I)
“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 III, Scene II)
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
(Twelfth Night, Act I, Scene I)
“My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!”
(Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene V)
“Love goes by haps; Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.”
(Much Ado About Nothing, Act III, Scene II)
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them.”
(Othello, Act I, Scene III)
“Love is a spirit all compact of fire.”
(Venus and Adonis)
“The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.
(As You Like It, Act III, Scene V)
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
This quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream highlights the idea that love is not just a physical attraction but a deep emotional connection. Shakespeare suggests that love is an intangible feeling that cannot be seen with the eyes but only felt with the mind.
This quote can be seen as a reminder that true love is a connection that transcends physical appearance and that it requires a deeper, more meaningful connection between two people.
“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.”
This quote from Sonnet 116 speaks to the idea of unconditional love. Shakespeare suggests that true love is not dependent on external circumstances or conditions and that it remains steadfast and constant, no matter what.
This quote can be seen as a reminder that love is a commitment that requires dedication, sacrifice, and a willingness to endure the ups and downs of life together.
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”
This quote from Twelfth Night is a declaration of love and a recognition of the deep connection between two people.
Shakespeare suggests that love is a mutual feeling that is felt and recognized by both partners and that it is a powerful bond that can bring two people together. This quote can be seen as a reminder that love is a journey of discovery, both for oneself and for the other person.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
This quote from Twelfth Night speaks to the idea that love is a symphony of emotions, a powerful and all-encompassing experience that touches every aspect of our lives.
Shakespeare suggests that love is not just a feeling but a source of joy, beauty, and fulfillment that nourishes our souls. This quote can be seen as a reminder that love is a powerful and transformative force that has the power to enrich and enhance our lives.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s quotes on love offer a rich and timeless exploration of this complex and powerful emotion. His words continue to inspire and resonate with people across generations and cultures, reminding us of the universal truths about love, its many facets, and its enduring power.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, solace, or simply a reminder of the beauty and magic of love, Shakespeare’s words have something to offer. So, next time you’re feeling lost or uncertain about love, remember the words of the Bard and let his timeless wisdom guide you on your journey.
What are some famous quotes by William Shakespeare about love?
u0022To 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.u0022 (Hamlet)u003cbru003eu0022My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sunu0022 (Sonnet 130)u003cbru003eu0022The course of true love never did run smooth.u0022 (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)u003cbru003eu0022Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.u0022 (All’s Well That Ends Well)u003cbru003eu0022Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.u0022 (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
What is the meaning of u0022The course of true love never did run smoothu0022?
This quote means that true love is never easy or without challenges and obstacles. The course of true love is often filled with difficulties and hurdles that must be overcome.
What is the meaning of u0022Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mindu0022?
This quote means that love is not just a physical attraction but rather it is more about understanding and appreciating someone for who they are. Love is not just about what someone looks like, but rather what they are like on the inside.
What is the meaning of u0022Love all, trust a few, do wrong to noneu0022?
This quote means that one should love everyone, trust only a select few people, and do harm to no one. It is important to have a wide circle of love, but also to be cautious and selective in terms of trust and actions.
What is the meaning of u0022My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sunu0022?
This quote is from Sonnet 130 and is a parody of the traditional love poems of Shakespeare’s time that often idealized their subjects. In this sonnet, Shakespeare is being sarcastic and poking fun at these traditional poems by saying that his mistress is not as beautiful as she is made out to be in other love poems.
