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Choke Quote by William Shakespeare

“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; Being purg'd, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vex'd, a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears; What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.” quote by William Shakespeare
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““Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; Being purg'd, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vex'd, a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears; What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.””

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Love is portrayed as a volatile mix of intoxicating fire and painful tears, a paradoxical force that both destroys and preserves.

In simple terms: Love is a paradoxical, consuming force.

Key Takeaway

It blends pleasure with suffering.

Themes

paradox passion pain transformation

Mood

intense melancholic reflective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • poetry analysis
  • relationship counseling
  • creative writing
  • theatrical monologue
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

fire tears madness sweetness

Practical Applications

  • explore love’s dual nature
  • use metaphor in art

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the metaphor of fire shape our view of love?
  • What does the 'preserving sweet' suggest about love’s longevity?
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