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Blood Quote by William Shakespeare

“And do so, love, yet when they have devised What strainèd touches rhetoric can lend, Thou, truly fair, wert truly sympathized In true plain words by thy true-telling friend; And their gross painting might be better used Where cheeks need blood; in thee it is abused.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“And do so, love, yet when they have devised What strainèd touches rhetoric can lend, Thou, truly fair, wert truly sympathized In true plain words by thy true-telling friend; And their gross painting might be better used Where cheeks need blood; in thee it is abused.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 2

The speaker urges honest, plain speech over ornate rhetoric, emphasizing sincere sympathy and the misuse of grand language for shallow matters.

In simple terms: Speak plainly and sincerely, not with flashy words.

Key Takeaway

Value truth over style.

Themes

communication honesty artistry

Mood

reflective serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political discourse
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

rhetoric sympathy authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does plain speech affect trust?
  • When is eloquence appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Ornate language can obscure genuine feeling.

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