9 Proposal Quotes from Literature

Harnessing your inner romantic for a planned marriage proposal is not the easiest thing to do and with nerves getting in the way it’s tricky to truly speak from the heart. If you’re struggling to find the perfect words for your loved one to combine with your perfect diamond engagement ring, let the literary legends do it for you. We’ve collated a list of our favourite proposal quotes from literary wonders to give you some inspiration and kick-start a proposal that only dreams are made of.
Related: The 14 Best Proposals in TV and Film

‘That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.’ – William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

We expected nothing less than such a beautiful quote from the prodigy that is Shakespeare. In Romeo and Juliet, this line is spoken by Juliet while arguing that it does not matter that Romeo is from her rival’s house and named ‘Montague’.

 

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‘Who, being loved, is poor?’ – Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance 

Legendary playwright Oscar Wilde included these words in A Woman of No Importance. They are uttered by Hester to Mrs Arbuthnot, to demonstrate that wealth and status should not be a pressing priority when it comes to relationships.

 

 

‘If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them. If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one.’ – Michelle Hodkin, The Evolution of Mara Dyer 

In the second instalment to Michelle Hodkin’s Mara Dyer fantasy trilogy, Noah argues with protagonist Mara that despite being seventeen, he’s adamant he wants to be with her eternally.

 

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‘You have bewitched me, body and soul.’ – Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice

If your fiancée is a Mr Darcy fan, this romantic reference is sure to be a success. Although these words do not actually feature in the novel and only in the 2005 film, we thought they had to be included!

 

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‘Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear. Your mind is my treasure, and if it were broken, it would be my treasure still.’ – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre 

These wonderful words in Jane Eyre are said by Mr. Rochester after Bertha is revealed and Jane questions whether Mr. Rochester would hate her too if she were crazy. After many a hurdle in this romantic story, a blind Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane and eventually recovers enough sight to see their baby.

 

Illustration by Edmund H. Garrett, courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

 

‘All everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.’ – Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

In Tolstoy’s epic tale, this quote is the musings of Prince Andrei during a moment of clarity in his final days on his deathbed. With his beloved Natasha sat beside him, tissues are definitely recommended while reading their final goodbye.

 

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‘I want to wake up with you beside me in the mornings… I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms.’ – Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me

It couldn’t be a list of romantic literature without a nod in Nicolas Sparks’ direction. After a heartfelt reunion between two childhood sweethearts, Dawson confesses his love for Amanda with this emotional quote.

 

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‘You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever.’ – Jane Austen, Persuasion

Jane Austen clearly knew how to write romantic novels that echoed among her readers. Forming the perfect love letter, these beautiful words are written by Captain Wentworth in a letter to Anne Elliott while trying to win her back.

 

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‘I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.’ – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Finally, a Dickens’ classic. This emotional expression of love is uttered by Sydney Carton to Lucie Manette. Although unrequited, Sydney’s feelings for Lucie transform him throughout the novel, from an alcoholic attorney into a man of merit.

 

 

What’s your favourite romantic line from literature? Let us know in the comments!

Now that you have been inspired by the romantic quotes of literary icons such as Charlotte Bronte and William Shakespeare, it is now time to buy the perfect engagement ring from Shining Diamonds. You can create a bespoke engagement ring that is perfect for your loved one. Select the style, shape and precious metal which can even be inspired by engagements in classic literature. All of our engagement rings come with a 30 day returns policy and a lifetime guarantee, ensuring you are making a risk-free purchase. You can even request a free sample to ensure that it is the perfect diamond engagement ring for your loved one. Contact us today for more information on our earring set.