The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare is a play that explores themes of jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption. Throughout the play, there are many memorable quotes that highlight the characters’ emotions and motivations. These quotes reveal the complexity of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
One of the most famous quotes from The Winter’s Tale is spoken by the character Leontes, who is consumed by jealousy. He says, “Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? Nay, you must speak my thoughts.” This quote illustrates Leontes’ paranoia and his belief that his wife, Hermione, is having an affair. It shows how jealousy can distort one’s perception of reality and lead to destructive behavior.
Another significant quote from the play is spoken by Paulina, a loyal friend of Hermione. She says, “It is an heretic that makes the fire, not she which burns in’t.” This quote emphasizes the theme of redemption and the idea that individuals should not be blamed for the sins of others. Paulina’s statement challenges the unfair treatment of Hermione and highlights the importance of forgiveness and compassion.
One of the most touching quotes from The Winter’s Tale is spoken by Perdita, a character who symbolizes innocence and rebirth. She says, “No, like a bank for love to lie and play on; not like a corpse or bed interred, yet not out to see.” This quote captures Perdita’s romantic and poetic nature, and it reflects her ability to find beauty and hope even in the midst of tragedy. It reminds us of the power of love and the possibility of new beginnings.
The Winter’s Tale is a play filled with memorable quotes that resonate with readers and audiences today. These quotes explore the depths of human emotions and provide insight into the complexities of the human experience. They serve as a reminder of the timeless themes and universal truths depicted in Shakespeare’s works.
Inspirational Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
“It is an heretic that makes the fire, not she which burns in’t.”
This quote reminds us that our actions define us, not the circumstances we find ourselves in. We have the power to shape our own destinies.
“O, she’s warm! If this be magic, let it be an art…”
This quote encourages us to embrace the wonder and beauty of the world around us. It reminds us that sometimes the most enchanting things are the simplest.
“There is no truth at all in the oracle: The sessions shall proceed; this is mere falsehood.”
This quote challenges us to question the authority and validity of prophecies and predictions. It teaches us the importance of critical thinking and making our own judgments.
“What’s gone and what’s past help should be past grief.”
This quote prompts us to let go of regrets and accept the past for what it is. It encourages us to focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed.
“It is required you do awake your faith.”
This quote calls us to have faith in ourselves and in the power of belief. It reminds us that sometimes we must take a leap of faith in order to achieve what we desire.
Love Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
“When you do dance, I wish you a wave o’ the sea, that you might ever do nothing but that.”
“I would there were no age between sixteen and three-and-twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest; for there is nothing in the between but getting wenches with child, wronging the ancientry, stealing, fighting.”
“I am a feather for each wind that blows.”
“Sir, spare your threats; The bug which you would fright me with I seek.”
Jealousy Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
1. “Is whispering nothing?
Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses?
Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career
Of laughing with a sigh?–a note infallible
Of breaking honesty.” – Leontes (Act 1, Scene 2)
2. “Too hot, too hot!
To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods.
I have tremor cordis on me: my heart dances;
But not for joy; not joy.” – Leontes (Act 1, Scene 2)
3. “Is whispering nothing?
Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses?
Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career
Of laughing with a sigh?–a note infallible
Of breaking honesty.” – Leontes (Act 1, Scene 2)
4. “Sir, spare your threats:
The bug, which you would fright me with, I seek.
To me can life be no commodity
The crown and comfort of my life, your favour,
I do give lost; for I do feel it gone,
But know not how it went.” – Polixenes (Act 1, Scene 2)
5. “Affection? thy intention stabs the centre;
Thou dost make possible things not so held,
Communicat’st with dreams;–how can this be?–
With what’s unreal thou coactive art,
And fellow’st nothing.” – Hermione (Act 1, Scene 2)
6. “A sad tale’s best for winter: I have one
Of sprites and goblins.” – Mamillius (Act 2, Scene 1)
7. “Your highest self, the gracious mark o’ th’ land,
You have obscured with a swain’s wearing
And me, poor lowly maid, most goddess-like
Prank’d up.” – Emilia (Act 2, Scene 3)
| Leontes: | Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career Of laughing with a sigh?–a note infallible Of breaking honesty. |
| Leontes: | Too hot, too hot! To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods. I have tremor cordis on me: my heart dances; But not for joy; not joy. |
| Leontes: | Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career Of laughing with a sigh?–a note infallible Of breaking honesty. |
| Polixenes: | Sir, spare your threats: The bug, which you would fright me with, I seek. To me can life be no commodity The crown and comfort of my life, your favour, I do give lost; for I do feel it gone, But know not how it went. |
| Hermione: | Affection? thy intention stabs the centre; Thou dost make possible things not so held, Communicat’st with dreams;–how can this be?– With what’s unreal thou coactive art, And fellow’st nothing. |
| Mamillius: | A sad tale’s best for winter: I have one Of sprites and goblins. |
| Emilia: | Your highest self, the gracious mark o’ th’ land, You have obscured with a swain’s wearing And me, poor lowly maid, most goddess-like Prank’d up. |
Forgiveness Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
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“I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer a stony adversary, an inhuman wretch uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy.” – Leontes, Act III, Scene II |
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“I must be patient till the heavens look with an aspect more favorable.” – Hermione, Act III, Scene II |
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“O, thy vile lady! She has robbed me of my sword.” – Polixenes, Act V, Scene I |
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“Either thou art most ignorant by age, or thou wert born a fool.” – Paulina, Act V, Scene III |
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“The wife alone stands between thee and thy mark.” – Leontes, Act V, Scene III |
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“She’s warm, if this be magic, let it be an art lawful as eating.” – Leontes, Act V, Scene III |
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“But, oh, how vile an idol proves this god! Thou hast a heart.” – Hermione, Act V, Scene III |
Loss and Grief Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
- “He’s dead, I am only sorry he had no other deathsman” – Leontes
- “O, witchcraft hath not stolen thy senses! I say she’s dead” – Leontes
- “Hermione is chaste; Polixenes blameless; Camillo a true subject; Leontes a jealous tyrant; his innocent babe truly begotten; and the king shall live without an heir if that which is lost be not found” – Paulina
- “Sir, spare your threats. The bug which you would fright me with I seek” – Paulina
- “Great griefs, I see, medicine the less; for Cloten is quite forgot” – Belarius
- “Peace, my lord. Hear, hear–” – Time
- “It is required you do awake your faith. Then all stand still; Or those that think it is unlawful business I am about, let them depart” – Paulina
- “This news, which is called true, is so like an old tale, that the verity of it is in strong suspicion” – Time
In Shakespeare’s play, The Winter’s Tale, loss and grief are central themes that resonate throughout the story. These quotes highlight the deep sense of loss and grief experienced by the characters. Leontes mourns the death of his wife, Hermione, and expresses sorrow that she had no one to avenge her death. Paulina grieves the loss of her friend and defends Hermione’s innocence. Belarius discusses the healing power of great grief and Cloten’s forgotten memory. The character Time urges the audience to awaken their faith and embrace the unfolding story. These quotes serve as poignant reminders of the pain and sorrow that the characters endure in The Winter’s Tale.
Redemption Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
This quote speaks to the theme of redemption as Leontes, who has been consumed by jealousy and anger, realizes the need to awaken his faith and seek redemption for his actions.
2. “To be acknowledged, madam, is o’erpaid.” – Paulina
Paulina, a loyal and steadfast character, believes that redemption can be found in being acknowledged and recognized for one’s actions and virtues.
3. “I am ashamed … repentant.” – Leontes
Leontes expresses his shame and repentance, highlighting his desire for redemption and forgiveness for the wrongs he has committed.
4. “What was mine in’t.” “That … / Is mine, my own.” – Perdita & Florizel
Perdita and Florizel, two characters who have faced challenges and obstacles, find redemption in claiming what is rightfully theirs and embracing their true identities.
5. “Though I am not naturally honest, I am so sometimes by chance.” – Autolycus
Autolycus, a deceitful character, acknowledges that he is not naturally honest but believes there is still a chance for redemption and moments of honesty.
Deception Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
“There is an air comes from her. What fine chisel
Could ever yet cut breath? Let no man mock me.
– Polixenes
“Our reasons are not prophets
When oft our fancies are.”
– Leontes
“I have tremor cordis on me; my heart dances,
But not for joy, not joy.”
– Leontes
“As he is lifted up in vivince,
And with a doubtful blush says ‘I am Hermione.'”
– Autolycus
“There may be in the cup
A spider steeped,”
– Antigonus
“I am hers
But, O thou tyrant!
Do not repent these things for they are heavier than all thy woes can stir.”
– Paulina
“This chase is hotly followed, child.”
– Paulina
Hope and Reconciliation Quotes from The Winter’s Tale
In William Shakespeare’s play, The Winter’s Tale, hope and reconciliation are central themes that emerge through the characters’ journeys. Here are some quotes that highlight the importance of hope and reconciliation:
| Quote | Speaker |
|---|---|
| “What’s gone and what’s past help should be past grief.” | Paulina |
| “It is required you do awake your faith.” | Gentleman |
| “I am angling now, though you perceive me not how I give line.” | Antigonus |
| “We were as twinned lambs that did frisk i’ the sun.” | Leontes |
| “And I like a dove have been chased with a scorpion.” | Hermione |
| “It is an heretic that makes the fire, not she which burns in’t.” | Paulina |
| “O, she’s warm! If this be magic, let it be an art lawful as eating.” | Antigonus |
| “The fittest time to corrupt a man’s wife is when she’s fallen out with her husband.” | Autolycus |
| “You gods, look down and from your sacred vials pour your graces upon my daughter’s head!” | Leontes |
These quotes from The Winter’s Tale show the characters’ desire for hope and reconciliation. They remind us that even in times of turmoil, there is always a chance for redemption and renewal.