The Mourning Bride Quotes

Context

This misquoted line comes from the play The Mourning Bride, written by William Congreve (1697).

We're willing to bet that before you clicked on this quote entry, you've never even heard of the play The Mourning Bride. It doesn't get much press today, but back in good ol' 1697 it was a pretty big hit. It's not hard to figure out why people kind of forgot about it though. The play is sort of a bummer. A woman gets kidnapped and then accidentally commits suicide. Not exactly the feel-good story of the year.

But look on the bright side. The lady gets to let off at least one immortal zinger before she dies (silver linings, people!). In Act III, Zara tells us, "Heaven has no rage, like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorned." Oh, man, that's exactly the kind of kick butt thing we'd want to say if we were being held against our will!

Of course, over the years, the quote has gotten shortened and reworded a little, but more or less means the same thing. When you tangle with a lady—you better watch out. Women may not be bigger or stronger than men, but in many ways, the female of the species is more deadly than the male.

Where you've heard it

If you've ever seen a women scorned, you've probably heard this quote. Some only apply it to ladies who have been rejected romantically, but it can really apply to any women who's been dissed or ridiculed by someone else. Watch out, everyone.

Additional Notable References: 

• Naturally, Tyler Perry saw a quote he liked and made a movie about it.
• An episode of the TV show Wings was called "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Policewoman Scorned," where a character's attempts to charm a lady officer comically backfire.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We're gonna notch up the pretentiousness on this just a bit since it's a tiny bit arrogant to comment on the actions of women who have been scorned, right? Like it's hard enough to walk around being rejected and put upon without jerks breaking out misquotes at dinner parties. Is Shmoop right, ladies?