Apr 28, 2025

10 lines by Shakespeare that describe misery, bitterness, and betrayal

Aakanksha Sharma

Words on betrayal, grief, and misery

Shakespeare has always been the ultimate master of words. Be it elaborate poems about the beauty of the beloved, or play of misery, sadness, and death, Shakespeare has written about them. And here we mention 10 lines by Shakespeare that show betrayal and misery.

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A friends betrayal

Et tu, Brute? - A cry of the ultimate betrayal, this was spoken by Julius Caesar when he was about to be stabbed by his trusted friend Brutus.

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Enemies in life

Fellest foes, whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep - This line shows the bitterness of being targeted by enemies who are consumed by hatred.

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On betraying subjects

How smooth and even they do bear themselves, As if allegiance in their bosoms sat Crownèd with faith and constant loyalty. - This line shows the pain of false loyalty, saying how people who look faithful could also be deceivers.

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On betrayal by a child

How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child! Another line of ultimate betrayal, this one shows the deep emotional sting and bitterness that people feel when betrayed by own children.

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On misery

Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break. - This line shows people the quiet and destructive misery that comes with grief and sadness that is not talked about.

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Sorrow and feelings

I will instruct my sorrows to be proud; for grief is proud, and makes his owner stoop. - Another line filled with a sense of sadness and misery is this one, talking about their impact on life and character.

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The betrayal in happy faces

Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art, As those whose beauties proudly make them cruel; For well thou know'st to my dear doting heart Thou art the fairest and most precious jewel. - This line shows the bitterness of a person, towards a beautiful and beloved person.

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On the grief of love

“Benvolio: What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours? Romeo: Not having that, which, having, makes them short.” - A line with a brief conversation, this one shows grief and misery over unfulfilled love.

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A possible betrayal

We do not know what’s brought to pass under the profession of fortune-telling. - A line that speaks about betrayal and suspicion in some sort, this one is about the mysteries of fortune telling.

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Bitterness with the world

No longer mourn for me when I am dead Than you shall hear the surly sullen bell Give warning to the world that I am fled From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell. - This one shows the narrator’s bitterness towards the world.

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Thanks For Reading!

Next: Books quiz: Can you guess which books these famous lines are from?