Be Still My Beating Heart Shakespeare Quote
Introduction
William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and one of the greatest playwrights in history. He wrote about love, tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. One of his most famous quotes is "Be still my beating heart," which is often used to express intense emotion.
The Origin of the Quote
The phrase "be still my beating heart" comes from Shakespeare's play, The Tempest. It is said by Ferdinand, the son of the King of Naples, when he first sees Miranda, the daughter of the exiled sorcerer Prospero. Ferdinand is struck by Miranda's beauty and is overwhelmed with emotion, which he expresses through the line, "Most sure, the goddess on whom these airs attend!/Vouchsafe my prayer/May know if you remain upon this island;/And that you will some good instruction give/How I may bear me here: my prime request,/Which I do last pronounce, is, O you wonder!/If you be maid or no?"
After Miranda confirms that she is indeed a maid, Ferdinand says, "My language! heavens! I am the best of them that speak this speech,/Were I but where 'tis spoken." At this point, his heart is racing, and he says, "Be still, my beating heart!"
The Meaning of the Quote
The phrase "be still my beating heart" is often used to describe a feeling of intense emotion. It can be used in a positive or negative context, depending on the situation. In the case of Ferdinand, he is overwhelmed with love for Miranda, and his heart is racing with excitement. He says "be still my beating heart" to try to calm himself down and control his emotions.
The quote can also be used in a negative context. For example, if someone receives bad news or is in a stressful situation, they may say "be still my beating heart" as a way to calm themselves down and reduce their anxiety.
The Use of the Quote in Popular Culture
The quote "be still my beating heart" has become a popular phrase in popular culture. It has been used in movies, TV shows, songs, and even as a title for books. It is often used to describe a feeling of intense emotion or to express surprise or shock.
For example, in the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the character Austin Powers says "Be still my beating groovy baby" when he sees the character Felicity Shagwell for the first time.
Conclusion
The quote "be still my beating heart" is a famous line from William Shakespeare's play, The Tempest. It is often used to describe a feeling of intense emotion, both positive and negative. The quote has become a popular phrase in popular culture and is often used in movies, TV shows, songs, and books. It is a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy and the power of his words to capture the human experience.