The Tempest (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

The Tempest: Key Quotations

Below is a list of all of the quotations we have covered organised by character and theme:

Power and Control

1. Prospero: "We are such stuff as dreams are made on."
2. Prospero: "I'll drown my book."
3. Ariel: "Mine would, sir, were I human."

Colonisation

1. Caliban: "This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother."
2. Caliban: "You taught me language, and my profit on't is, I know how to curse."

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

1. Prospero: "I'll drown my book."
2. Prospero: "The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance."

Magic and Illusion

1. Prospero: "We are such stuff as dreams are made on."
2. Ariel: "Full fathom five thy father lies."

Innocence and New Beginnings

1. Miranda: "O brave new world, that has such people in't!"
2. Miranda: "I am your wife, if you will marry me."
3. Ferdinand: "The very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly to your service."
4. Ferdinand: "For several virtues have I liked several women, never any with so full soul but some defect in her did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed."