The Tempest
The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
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The Tempest Quotes

Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from The Tempest.

The Supernatural

PROSPERO The direful spectacle of the wreck, which touch'd The very virtue of compassion in thee, I have with such provision in mine art So safely ordered that there is no soul— No, not so mu...

Versions of Reality

MIRANDA 'Tis far off And rather like a dream than an assurance That my remembrance warrants. (1.2.44-46)

Contrasting Regions

BOATSWAIN When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king? To cabin! silence! trouble us not. (1.1.16-18)

Freedom and Confinement

ARIEL I prithee, Remember I have done thee worthy service; Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, served Without or grudge or grumblings: thou didst promise To bate me a full year. PROSPERO...

Man and the Natural World

MIRANDA I should sin To think but nobly of my grandmother: Good wombs have borne bad sons. (1.2.119-120)

Awe and Amazement

PROSPERO Be collected: No more amazement: tell your piteous heart There's no harm done. (1.2.13)

Love

PROSPERO No harm. I have done nothing but in care of thee, Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, nought knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Tha...

Time

PROSPERO The hour's now come; The very minute bids thee ope thine ear; Obey and be attentive. Canst thou remember A time before we came unto this cell? I do not think thou canst, for then thou wa...

Betrayal

ANTONIO Let's all sink with the king. SEBASTIAN Let's take leave of him. (1.1.63-62)

Compassion and Forgiveness

MIRANDA O, I have suffered With those that I saw suffer: a brave vessel, Who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her, Dash'd all to pieces. O, the cry did knock Against my very heart. Poor soul...

The Divine

MARINERS All lost! to prayers, to prayers! all lost! (1.1.51)