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15 Tattoo Quotes from Classic Literature for Your First Tattoo ...

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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.

1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

blue,clothing,image,woman,beauty, 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.

2. Fahrenheit 451

Bastardo,food,produce,fruit,liqueur, 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.

3. The Catcher in the Rye

tattoo,skin,arm,mouth,hand, 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!

4. The Tempest

tattoo,eyebrow,skin,arm,hand, 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!

5. Alice in Wonderland

tattoo,skin,arm,finger,close up, 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!

6. All the World’s a Stage

tattoo,black and white,pattern,arm,design, 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.

7. Invictus

eyewear,face,nose,glasses,arm, 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?

8. Heavy

beauty,skin,arm,organ,eye, 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."

9. A Midsummer Night's Dream

text,font,arm,calligraphy,sketch, 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.

10. Still I Rise

tattoo,arm,calligraphy,hand, 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.

11. The Fellowship of the Ring

blue,beauty,skin,organ,tattoo, 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.

12. Slaughterhouse Five

tattoo,handwriting,skin,arm,font, 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!

13. The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock

brassiere,clothing,lingerie,undergarment,mouth, 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.

14. Pride & Prejudice

tattoo,text,handwriting,skin,arm, 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.

15. Walden

hair,clothing,hairstyle,long hair,arm, 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?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a quote from classic literature a good choice for a tattoo?
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!
Why are quotes from authors like Maya Angelou popular for tattoos?
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.
Do literary quote tattoos hurt more than other tattoos?
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.
I love Jane Austen. Are her quotes a good idea for a tattoo?
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.
How do I choose the right book quote for my tattoo?
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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