Feb 20, 2025
Shakespeare, the ‘Bard of Avon’ and the master of words has forever been a go-to for literature lovers. From lines of heartbreak to emotions of victory, Shakespeare’s works have them all. And here we mention 10 beautiful lines from his plays with profound meanings.
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‘To be, or not to be: that is the question’. One of the most iconic lines from Hamlet is this one and defines the human dilemma of existence vs. non-existence, and how difficult some choices in life can be.
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‘What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’ A famous line from Romeo and Juliet, this one equates to the quote of ‘Whats in a name’ for it is the character and traits that really matter.
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An iconic and profound quote from ‘Hamlet’ is "We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” And this shows the human feeling of uncertainty and vulnerability that comes from not knowing what the future holds.
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A profound line from ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world”. This was said by Portia and shows how small actions can also have big results and benefits.
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A quote from the ‘Twelfth Night’, “Love sought is good, but given unsought is better" is ‘oh-so’ profound and makes people realise the importance of selfless and unconditional love, one that is not asked for, but just comes from the heart.
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Another profound quote with a deep meaning is “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt”. It explains to people that doubting oneself is the biggest flaw, and will always stop you from even trying the good things.
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A deep quote from ‘The Tempest’ is “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep”. It tells people that life is nothing more than a fleeting dream and to waste it on fear, doubt, and more is simply not worthy.
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A line from ‘Othello’ is “How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?”. And this is a beautiful representation of the demerits of impatience and how it is only time that heals and improves.
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Another iconic quote from ‘Hamlet’ is ‘To thine own self be true’. And it is profound and beautiful and has the most simple meaning of staying true to oneself, no matter how hard the situations might be.
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A deeply moving and profound line from ‘As You Like It’ is “The world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. And this one is ever famous and iconic for it comments on the feeble nature of human characters and how life is only limited to the roles we play.
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