- By Bornika Das
- Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
William Shakespeare Quotes: Longing and love are common feelings that have survived the centuries and none other than William Shakespeare has understood it better. In his sonnets and plays, the Bard of Avon highlighted the innermost recesses of human longing, including its pain, its beauty and its ability to change lives. Be it Romeo and Juliet's star-crossed love or the longing yearning displayed in his sonnets, Shakespeare’s words seem to be still relevant as they reflect the depth of emotions that humans feel but cannot express in words.
Shakespeare’s way of defining love is timeless because he has been able to encompass both the pleasure of union and the pain of loss. His quotes serve as a reminder that love is not always easy going but messy, heart-wrenching and yet strongly redemptive. Here are 10 timeless William Shakespeare quotes that define love and longing that move the heart, provide comfort, contemplate and also serve as a reminder that these feelings are raw and pure.
Shakespeare Quotes On Love And Longing
“My Love Is As A Fever, Longing Still.” - Sonnet 147
Shakespeare compares his love to an illness, which seems to burn with desire even when destructive. Longing intensifies instead of healing, making love both irresistible and painfully consuming.
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“The Course Of True Love Never Did Run Smooth.” - A Midsummer Night's Dream
Shakespeare here taught us that true love always faces trials. Obstacles and challenges are part of love's journey, making it more precious and worth striving for.
“My Bounty Is As Boundless As The Sea, My Love As Deep.” - Romeo And Juliet
Juliet compares her love to the infinite sea, expressing generosity and depth. This quote suggests that true love cannot be measured; it grows endlessly the more it is given.
“They Do Not Love That Do Not Show Their Love." - The Two Gentlemen Of Verona
Here. Shakespeare stresses that love must be expressed. Feelings that are left unsaid lose their value while genuine affection shines through visible actions, words and gestures of care.
“I Do Love Nothing In The World So Well As You: Is Not That Strange?” - Much Ado About Nothing
This quote highlights love's paradox: unexpected, overwhelming, yet true. Shakespeare conveys how love can surprise even the one who feels it, turning emotions into delightful vulnerability.
Much Ado About Nothing (Image Credits: Instagram)
"Who Ever Loved That Loved Not At First Sight?" - As You Like It
Shakespeare suggests that love begins with instant attraction and longing from the moment the heart perceives another.
"Speak Low If You Speak Love." - Much Ado About Nothing
A quiet confession might be more intimate. Sometimes longing is best shared softly, thoughtfully.
“Love Looks Not With The Eyes, But With The Mind...Painted Blind.- A Midsummer Night's Dream
True love arises from perception beyond appearance. Desires depend on emotion and thought and not physical appearance or sight, showing that longing comes from the heart and imagination rather than superficial beauty.
“So Long As Men Can Breathe Or Eyes Can See, So Song Lives This... - Sonnet 18
Shakespeare claims his verse will keep the beloved alive. Longing for permanence turns into poetry, ensuring love and beauty remain eternal as long as humanity exists.
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"Hear My Soul Speak: The Very Instant That I Saw You, Did My Heart..." - The Tempest
Love begins instantly and completely. The heart surrenders at first sight, showing longing’s sudden force. The soul gets compelled to serve and belong entirely to the beloved without hesitation.
William Shakespeare's quotes defining love and longing can truly be understood by those who are deeply in love. He has expressed his feelings better than anyone else and has remained relevant to lovers even today.