I recently got my first tattoo, and I'm completely in love! I encourage everyone to get a tattoo, but before you sit down in front of the needle, it's important to find a quote that you love. These quotes from classic literature look great as tattoos! Plus, since they are small, they make great first tattoos to test out how you like it.
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1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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Via The Word Made Flesh, from ...
Who doesn't want a little bit of Shakespeare on their body? If you're a petite woman like me, this quote is perfect for your first tattoo! Let everyone know that, despite your size, you're as fearsome as a lion on the inside.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
2. Fahrenheit 451
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Via The Best Literary Quotes Ever ...
Fahrenheit 451 is one of my all time favorite novels! It started the age of modern dystopian novels, and warned society about losing its sense of creativity. From the novel, this is one of my favorite lines! It's a great reminder to see on your body every day.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
3. The Catcher in the Rye
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Via The Best Literary Quotes Ever ...
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age story almost everyone loves! The best thing about this line particularly is that you can interpret it in a number of ways. To me, this quote means "Ask her if she still plays it safe, or if she's a risk taker now", but based on your interpretation of the novel, it could mean a thousand other things!
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The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 novel by American author J. D. Salinger. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old adolescent boy, as he struggles with the complexities of life and growing up. The novel has become an iconic coming-of-age story, and is considered one of the greatest works of literature of the 20th century.
The quote featured in the article is from the novel and is spoken by Holden Caulfield. It is a reflection on the complexities of life and the choices we make, and can be interpreted in many different ways. The quote has become a popular tattoo choice for many people, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking risks and living life to the fullest.
The Catcher in the Rye is a beloved classic, and the novel has been translated into more than 30 languages. It has also been adapted into a play, a film, and a television series. The novel has been the subject of numerous scholarly works, and is still widely read and studied in universities across the world.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
4. The Tempest
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Via 50 Incredible Tattoos Inspired By ...
Not only do I love this quote from Shakespeare's The Tempest, but I also love the design around it! Sure, bad things happen, but that's just the prologue to the more amazing parts of your life to come!
***
This quote from Shakespeare's The Tempest is featured in an article about tattoo quotes from classic literature, published on a women-focused blog in the beauty category. The article features 50 incredible tattoos inspired by classic literature, and this particular tattoo is a great example of how a meaningful quote can be incorporated into a beautiful design. The design features a ship in the middle of a stormy sea, emphasizing the idea of bad things happening, but also the idea that this is only the prologue to better things to come.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
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5. Alice in Wonderland
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Via The Best Literary Quotes Ever ...
This is probably the truest quote on the list! Lewis Carol's words never go out of style, because we are all completely insane in completely different ways, so we might as well embrace it!
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
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6. All the World’s a Stage
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Via Log in | Tumblr
Is it becoming obvious that I'm in love with Shakespeare? This is one of his most famous sayings, but I still don't think it's cliched because it's so true! We are all just acting out the roles we choose; seeing this quote every day would encourage me to do something wildly out of the ordinary.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
7. Invictus
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Via 18 Ephemeral Tattoos For Booklovers
The last to lines from the incredible poem "Invictus" are so empowering! How could you not take your life by the horns after waking up and seeing these words every day?
***
The final stanza of William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus" is a bold declaration of resilience and self-mastery. The lines, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul," resonate with a powerful sense of control over one's destiny. Imagine starting your day with these words inked on your skin, a constant reminder of inner strength and unyielding courage to face life's challenges head-on—truly, a tattoo for those who resonate with literary wisdom and fierce independence.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
8. Heavy
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Via almost june.
This quote from Mary Oliver's poem "Heavy" reminds you that life isn't too much to handle. You were built to endure the worst situations! To me, this is the best tattoo alternative to "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
***
Mary Oliver's poignant verse captures a profound truth about resilience. It serves as a permanent reminder that the human spirit is incredibly robust—a narrative of survival etched in ink. A literary tattoo like this speaks to those who find solace in poetry and want to carry a piece of timeless wisdom on their skin. It becomes a personal manifesto, a totem against life’s turbulence, quietly proclaiming that whatever challenges arise, they are just contours on the path we're well-equipped to walk.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
9. A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Via 23 Epic Literary Love Tattoos
I promise this is the last Shakespeare quote on the list! If you're one half of a romantic relationship, then you know how true this is. It's a great reminder of how important it is to endure the rough patches in your relationship.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
10. Still I Rise
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One of my favorite poems is "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. Why? Because it's the most motivational verse I've ever read, constantly boasting about the resilience of the human spirit.
***
The words "You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise..." etched in ink can be a profound reminder of one's own inner strength and endurance in the face of adversity. It's a declaration that no matter the challenges thrown our way, we rise above them. This poem, with its unwavering confidence, serves as an empowering soundtrack, and having a line or two captured on your skin could be the perfect source of daily inspiration.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
11. The Fellowship of the Ring
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The Lord of the Rings series isn't the most quotable series, but lines like this deserve to be remembered! Life is a journey, and there isn't always a set path. So you'll wander sometimes, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're lost.
***
When considering ink that encapsulates life's unpredictability, J.R.R. Tolkien's wisdom stands out. Imagine the elegant script of "Not all who wander are lost" traced along your collarbone or wrist. It's a subtle nod to the adventurous spirit that resides within all of us—perfect for those who view each day as a chapter in their own epic tale. Embrace the significance of this quote, especially if you've ever felt adrift yet trust in the journey ahead.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
12. Slaughterhouse Five
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This quote can remind you of a beautiful time in your life, when you felt like you were on top of the world. I guarantee that every time you see it you'll smile!
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
13. The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock
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T.S. Eliot's beautiful poem is quotable from beginning to end! But I think this simple phrase makes the best tattoo. There is always time to rest, to dream, to try again, and to do what you life. This open-ended phrase reminds you of all the possibilities your life has, and all the time there is to see them come to life.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
14. Pride & Prejudice
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Any Pride & Prejudice fan recognizes these two words immediately as part of Darcy's confession of love to Elizabeth. Even though the book phrases it differently ("You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.") this elegant phrasing will always remind you of your beloved Mr. Darcy.
Well, classic literature quotes are timeless and often carry deep meanings. They can represent wisdom, love, or even a turning point in a character's life that might resonate with your own experiences. Plus, they're usually beautifully written!
Maya Angelou's quotes are super inspiring and empowering. People love to carry her words as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the beauty of life. Her work speaks to many on a very personal level.
Ha, no! The pain level of a tattoo isn't about what's written or drawn, but where it's placed and your pain tolerance. Literary quotes are usually small and simple, so if it's your first tattoo, it might be a good choice for avoiding too much pain.
Absolutely, Jane Austen's work is full of insightful and romantic lines that have stayed relevant for centuries. Her quotes can be a lovely, elegant choice for a tattoo, especially if you're a fan of her novels.
Think about what resonates with you the most. It could be a quote that inspires you, reminds you of a loved one, or marks an important moment in your life. Make sure it's something you'll be happy to see every day for many years to come. It should feel personal and meaningful.
15. Walden
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Walden, by Henry David Thoreau is a book full of wisdom that hasn't faded over the years. It's absolutely full of amazing lines, but this one is definitely among my favorites. It's your right to demand truth, from yourself and others.
There you have it! Fifteen beautiful quotes that make an excellent choice for your first tattoo. Which one do you love most?
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Comments
bobbi: i love them tatoos there cute they all remind me of my kids
tracy: great Gatsby quote,
M3g: If I EVER got a tattoo,(though NOT bloody likely); I'd choose a positive affirmation in calligraphy, written in a foreign language or written backwards so that you'd need a mirror to read it, and I'd put it in an inconspicuous spot.
jekulaz: wish i had dat kind of tattoes
Tristan20: This was a great post I have to Catch up on the books
iloveparis624: Love this!!
Apeksha: LOVE THIS POST!! Great tattoo inspiration!
peony: Tattoos yikes....
shannon: Amazing post!!!
Rash: I agree with @Apeksha, Great tattoo inspiration!
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