Some of The Tempest's most well-known quotes, such as Miranda's 'O brave new world', are listed here.

Ariel, in black clothes, sits on a rock and looks deep in thought
Sandy Grierson as Ariel in the 2012 production of The Tempest, directed by David Farr
Photo by Simon Annand © RSC Browse and license our images

O, I have suffered
With those that I saw suffer.
(Miranda, Act 1 Scene 2)

My library was dukedom large enough.
(Prospero,  Act 1 Scene 2)

Ferdinand, 
With hair up-staring – then like reeds, not hair – 
Was the first man that leaped; cried ‘Hell is empty
And all the devils are here.’
(Ariel, Act 1 Scene 2)

For I am all the subjects that you have,
Which first was mine own king.
(Caliban, Act 1 Scene 2)

Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows. 
(Trinculo, Act 2 Scene 2)

Hast thou not dropped from heaven?
(Caliban, Act 2 Scene 2)

I am your wife, if you will marry me:
If not, I'll die your maid: to be your fellow
You may deny me, but I'll be your servant,
Whether you will or no.
(Miranda, Act 3 Scene 1)

The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked,
I cried to dream again.
(Caliban, Act 3 Scene 2)

Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff 
As dreams are made on: and our little life 
Is rounded with a sleep.
(Prospero, Act 4 Scene 1)

Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
In a cowslip's bell I lie:
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat's back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily, shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
(Ariel, Act 5 Scene 1)

O, wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't.
(Miranda, Act 5 Scene 1)

As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free.
(Prospero, Epilogue) 

 

Studying Shakespeare? Then you'll love our SHAKESPEARE LEARNING ZONE!
Discover loads of facts, videos and in-depth information about Shakespeare's plays.

Shakespeare Learning  Zone logo

Really get to grips with the stories, settings and characters of Shakespeare's plays. Unlock his language using the same techniques our actors use in rehearsals.

You may also like