Quotes from Shakespeare

Quotes from Shakespeare
Identify the speaker. To which character does the particular quotation relate? How? The first one is a worked example.

Finally, each quotation in your blog under headings: that is, one heading for each of the characters to whom the speech most relates (eg Claudio, Hero, Beatrice, Benedick, Leonato, Don Pedro, Don John etcetera). You should end up with a range of quotations for each of the major figures in the play that together, create ‘pictures’ of the characters.

“He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion” (I, i, 13-5).1.

Here a messenger, reporting to Leonato, is describing Claudio’s prowess in battle. Claudio has displayed maturity beyond his years and though he seems an unassuming character, Claudio has demonstrated great strength and courage.

“In our last conflict four of his five wits went halting off, and now is the man governed with one” (I, i, 62-4).beatrice

Beatrice is talking to Leonato about Benedick. She is saying that Benedick is trying so hard to insult her, but only one of his five insults really work. In other words his insults are not good enough for Beatrice.

“He is sooner caught than the pestilence, and the taker runs presently mad” (I, i, 83-4).Beatrice, talking about Benedict

Beatrice is talking about Benedick. She is saying that who ever associates with him with go as crazy as he is, quicker then they would be able to catch the plague.

“Only this commendation I can afford her, that were she other than she is she were unhandsome” (I, i, 168-70).

Don Pedro is talking to Claudio about Hero. He is saying that she is an average woman. He is complementing her in a way, but is saying she is like everyone else, theres nothing really special about her.

In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on” (I, i, 182-3).

Claudio is speaking to Benedick about Hero. Claudio is saying that Hero is basically his dream girl. He thinks that she is the perfect one for him and that there is no other girl out there that is as perfect as Hero.

“Shall I never see a bachelor of three-score again? Go to … thou wilt needs thrust they neck into a yoke” (I, i, 193-5).

Benedick is speaking to Don Pedro about Hero. He is saying that he is going to be the only batchelor left in the world. He is saying that everyone is going to get married exept for himself.


“Thou wast ever an obstinate heretic in the despite of beauty” (I, i, 226-7).

Don Pedro, Claudio and Benedick are taking about Hero. They are saying that despite Hero's beauty, she goes against what society expects from her.


But now … that war thoughts have left their places vacant, in their rooms come thronging soft and delicate desires” (I, i, 290-2).

Claudio is speaking to Don Pedro about Hero. He is saying that now tha Claudio is back from war, he can cherish her, get married to her and spend time with her.

If thou dost love fair Hero … I will break with her and with her father, and thou shalt have her” (I, i, 297-9).

Don Pedro is speaking to Claudio about Hero. He is saying that if Claudio loves Hero that much, he will do what ever he can and what ever it takes to get them together, even if it means talking to her or her father.

“I must be said when I have cause, and smile at no man’s jests; eat when I have stomach, and wait for no man’s leisure” (I, iii, 13-5).

Don John is speaking to Conrade about himself. He is saying that when he has done something wrong, he must be sad and he must eat when he is hungry and must not wait for spare time.

“I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace. And it better fits my blood to be disdained of all … I am trusted with a muzzle, and enfranchised with a clog … let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me” (I, iii, 25-35).Don John

Don John is speaking to Conrade about himself. Don John is saying that he rather be disliked by Don John then cherished by him and that it fits himself to think unworthy of him. Don John is basically saying let him be that he is and don't try to change him because it isn't going to work.

“How tartly that gentleman looks. I never can see him but I am heart burned an hour after” (II, i, 3-4).

Beatrice is talking about Don John to Leonato, Hero and Antonio. She is basically saying that she dislikes him and thinks he looks evil and bad. Beatrice is saying that he is an unliked man.

“Why he is the Prince’s jester, a very dull fool. Only his gift is in devising impossible slanders. None but libertines delight in him” (II, i, 137-9).

Beatrice is talking to Benedick about Benedick. She is saying that he is a fool, and only his false gift makes him the person he is. Beatrice states that no one likes him or respects him exept the lowest of lowest people.

“Signor, you are very near my brother in his love. He is enamoured on Hero. I pray you dissuade him from her. She is no equal for his birth” (II, i, 164-6).

Don John is speaking to Claudio about Hero. Don John is being evil and saying to Claudio that he is close to his brother, but he is betraying you, as he is inlove with Hero himself. John falsely tells Cluadio to tell Don Pedro not to love Hero, because he does. John says that Hero dosen't belong with Don Pedro, as she is not as equal as him. John is trying to get Claudio to dislike Hero and Pedro.

“T’is certain … the Prince woos for himself. Friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and affairs of love” (II, i, 175-7).

Claudio is speaking to John about Pedro. He is saying that he basically mistrusted Don Pedro and cannot stand up to him. So in result he must say good bye to Hero.

“I would not marry her though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed” (II, i, 249-51).

Benedick is talking to Pedro about Beatrice. He is saying that he would not marry her, he would rather break a law then do that.

“I will in the interim undertake one of Hercules’ labours, which is to bring Signor Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection th’ one with th’ other” (II, i, 360-3).

Pedro is speaking to Leonato about Benedick and Beatrice. He is saying that he will undetake a chore, which is to get Benedick and Beatrice together and make them fall inlove and become affectionate with each other.