A list of important quotes that can be used in literature essays or tests. A short description of each, who said it, and where it was said in the play is also given. Advice on where it can be used is included
Tempest Quotes
FORGIVENESS
“I do forgive thy rankest faults, all of them” – Pros to Ant (Act 5)
“The rarer act is in virtue than in vengeance” – Pros (Act 5)
“As you from crimes would pardoned be, let your indulgence set me free” – Pros
(epilogue)
“At this hour lies at my mercy all mine enemies” – Pros
“That if you now beheld them, your thoughts would become tender” – Ariel to pros,
telling him to have mercy and forgive (Act 5 scene 1)
“I’ll be wise hereafter and seek for grace” – Caliban repenting at the end of the play
(Act 5)
“A heaviness that’s gone” – pros to Alons, forgiving him (act 5 scene 1)
REVENGE
“Three men of sin” – referring to Ant, Seb, Alons. Ariel terrorizes them on Prospero’s
orders
“In these fits I leave them” – Pros talking about terrorizing Alons, Seb and Ant (Act 3)
“Revenge it on him” – Cal to Trinc and Steph, asking them to plot revenge on Pros
and kill him (Act 3 scene 2)
CALIBAN
Caliban is referred to as various things. These quotes can be used to back up text when
talking about the exploitation of Caliban, or his mal treatment due to his obsession with
revenge
“Servant monster” – Stephano
“Would give a piece of silver” – Trinculo explaining how he would use Caliban for
money
“I could find it in my heart to beat him” – Trinc (Act 3)
“Or I’ll turn you out of my kingdom” – Steph threatening Caliban when Caliban warns
them not to steal Prospero’s clothes
“You taught me language, and my profit on’t is I know how to curse” – Caliban to
Prospero, colonialism and servitude (Act 1 scene 2)
PROSPERO
These quotes can be used when discussing Prospero and his journey of
forgiveness/discovery of dignity and humanity.
“I’ll break my staff” & “drown my book” – Pros when giving up his magic (Act 5)
“This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine” – Pros claiming responsibility for
Caliban and his behavior and character (Act 5 scene 1)
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