William Shakespeare wrote the words, "Misery acquaints a man with strange bed fellows" in his play "The Tempest" (Act 2, Scene 2). The phrase has been interpreted to mean that interesting circumstances can bring together people who otherwise have little in common. The phrase is one that was specifically said by Trinculo. He says the words to Stephano after he has been shipwrecked. He finds himself seeking shelter beside a guy or monster who is sleeping. Trinculo does know if what he sees is a man or some type of fish.

In the play, Trinculo is a jester who is traveling with some aristocratic caretakers. They find themselves on an uncharted island. Trinculo has happened upon a supine Caliban, a deformed native whom he first believed to be a strange fish. When he realizes that the Caliban has arms and legs and is warm-blooded, he deduces that it is an islander and not some type of fish.

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