Like the magnolias, petunias and daisies
that bloom in Florida
this time of year
Shakespeare’s birthday pops up in my head,
an annual occurrence,
probably a carryover from teaching
Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear.
Like rosemary for remembrance, the date April 23
never passes by un-noticed in my mind,
the Bard’s birthday and death date.
Google Image
In my classroom, teacher and students celebrated his wit with cupcakes and drinks. Another occasion, we played games to recall his invented words and wise sayings.
Now the Bard’s gift of words helps returning soldiers recover from PTSD and even thrive in civilian life. The April 2018 Guideposts issue describes how the organization Shakespeare With Veterans helps heal modern warriors.
Cassie’s story
Deployed to Iraq in 2003, veteran Cassie Boblitt appeared to adjust well to civilian life, earning an MBA, securing a job in hotel management, buying a nice house. But along the way a domestic dispute “shattered her sense of security and brought back unsettling memories of combat” and her life unraveled. She connected to Shakespeare With Veterans and met “best friends” who helped her dig into Shakespeare’s texts and talk about “things we had lost or won or fought for . . . “ Now she leads yoga workshops at the vet center.
Darryl’s story
Veteran Darryl suffered from general malaise, hanging out in his “basement all the time, watching YouTube videos.” He was invited to attend the program and was exposed to Shakespeare. At first he stuck to non-speaking roles. He liked being Julius Caesar “post-assassination, because he got to lie down.” Then Amy [the director] had him play Caesar in Act I, warning Mark Antony about Cassius, a part he thrived in. “Inspired by the Shakespeare group, Darryl took a writing course at the vet center. His story about a little girl he met in Vietnam was published in two books.”
Lines They Learned
Love’s Labour’s Lost, Act 5, Scene 2 “I will right myself like a soldier … “
Henry V, the St. Crispin’s Day speech:
“But we in it shall be remembered– / We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; / For he today that sheds his blood with me / shall be my brother …” (Act IV, scene iii)
Shakespeare works wonders with athletes and actors too. Just ask Denzel Washington.
Photo credit: Guidposts.org
Award-winning actor Denzel Washington’s English teacher guided him, fearful and unsure, into playing Hamlet and Othello in student productions. This Guideposts story illustrates how a teacher lit a fire in his young life, inspiring him to play key characters.
* * *
The celebrated Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, otherwise known as Prince William and Princess Kate, leave London’s St. Mary’s Hospital with their third child decked out in a white lace shawl and matching cap. Although he is not aware of it, the newborn prince will forever share a birthday (April 23) with Sir William Shakespeare. His birthday also coincides with that of England’s patron Saint George.
Photo courtesy of PEOPLEroyals
Every year I remember April 23 with no particular prompting. Do you remember certain dates or special numbers outside the norm of family/friend events?
What other lines from Shakespeare came to mind as you read this post?
Any comments about the royal prince? Do you know his name?
No extra charge for this seen on Facebook recently:
Good morning, Marian. I like that you celebrated Shakespeare birthday with your students with special treats.
I remember hearing about a prison program in which prison inmates performed Shakespeare.
Last summer we saw Romeo and Juliet while sitting outside at a winery on a summer night. We didn’t hear larks or nightingales, but we did hear some other loud birds during the performance. 🙂
Yes, Merril, I’ve heard about a prison program with Shakespearean performances too, but not sure of its name. I hope the loud birds during the performance weren’t tweets from cellphones. 🙂
By the way, again you are the early bird today.
I think it’s fantastic that Shakespeare is helping vets. That is wonderful. Shakespeare influenced our language so profoundly I wouldn’t know where to start with a favourite.
Yes, he brought invented dozens of words into our vocabulary. Once I had a printed list I gave to students; I’m sure other words could be found with a Google search: http://shakespeare-online.com/biography/wordsinvented.html
Thanks for your input, Arlene!
Wow! What a great program!
Macbeth is my favorite of his plays. For some reason, the witches’ quotes stick out in my head, undoubtedly because they were quoted in a Harry Potter film:
Double, double toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
And also:
By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.
I don’t know the name of the new prince. I think that’s still to be announced.
My students always enjoyed Macbeth too. I think one reason for their preference may be the intertwining of the spirit world with reality, as with the witches’ chant. 🙂
No name for the new baby yet but it should be announced soon. Rumours of Alexander or Arthur, but only rumours. Love Shakespeare quotes and happy to see his influence is still felt all these years hence!
Either name Alexander or Arthur expresses an alpha male aspect. Like his predecessors, the new prince will probably have a series of 4 names. I clearly remember Princess Diana stumbling over one of Prince Charles’ names (possibly Arthur or Philip) during the marriage ceremony.
Marian — Another learning for me today. I didn’t realize how positively influential Denzel Washington’s English teacher was in his life. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Kline, what that for me.
Many of us have that special English teacher in high school or college. I remember Dr. Hubert Pellman during my sophomore and junior college years. Two in graduate school stand out also: Bizot and Slaughter, definitely an appropriate name for Shakespearean tragedies with a high body count. I’m glad this post was inspiring, Laurie.
Mrs Friedman. 7th and 8th grade English. If only we could tell these good souls.
So true!
“To thine own self be true”–is a good reminder for me. But I guess I forgot it came from Shakespeare. I prefer the simpler lines that aren’t so hard to think through.
You do a lot of thinking, thinking in your job, similar to my thinking/revising/editing process with my memoir. I guess your quote could be an appropriate epigraph for me. Right, Melodie?
What a wonderful idea,Marian to use Shakespeare to help vets recovering from PTSD. It is a powerful reminder of how our words can touch people in meaningful ways for years to come. Thanks for a great educational and inspirational lesson!
Sometimes I do lapse into “teacher” mode but my readers don’t seem to mind. I remember reading an early draft of your second book and being impressed with your clinical knowledge. And you DO continue to touch readers with meaningful words. Write on, Kathy!
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…. et tu Brute….all the worlds a stage…
I loved this reminder of Shakespeare’s birthday, a day I’ve never celebrated, but hope to remember in the future.
I remember birthdays of classmates I went to a small school together with for 9 years.
I hope they name the prince “Shakespeare!” (Unlikely!)
Tracy, I’m impressed with your memory of classmates’ birthday. I guess celebrating with the same students for 9 years would imprint those special dates on your mind.
I don’t think the royal babe will be named “Shakespeare,” but William may appear as one of the four names. We’ll see!
I didn’t remember that it’s the Bard’s birthday today Marian! Thank you for the reminder! So wonderful that vets have benefitted from enacting his words.
‘Zounds! I was never so bethumped with words’ is attributed to Shakespeare.
Here’s another:
Tafetta phrases, silken terms precise,
Three-pil’d hyperboles, spruce affectation,
Figures pedantical; these summer flies
Have blown me full of maggot ostenstation …
Henceforth my wooing mind shall be express’d
In russet yeas and honest keresy noes.
No, they didn’t come to mind – I looked them up (Paper Prophets complied by Jenny Hobbs) as my ones that I remember have already been used – 🙂 and if they had attribution as to when and where they were said or written I would have added them.
I”m so impressed with your line “ZOUNDS, I WAS NEVER SO BETHUMPED WITH WORDS” that I’m writing it in letters large. I may use a 20+ font size and post it close to my computer. Having recently written a book, you understand completely about word counts and the dizzying effect it has on one’s brain. Thanks for all of your example, all unfamiliar to me. Until now . . . thanks, Susan!
that second last word from the end, should have been ‘kersy’ noes
Got it!
It’s interesting what you wrote about Will and Kate’s baby having the same birthdate as the Bard. He missed his paternal great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth’s birth date (April 21) by two days! We haven’t heard what his name is yet, but it should be announced shortly. I like the name Arthur which is one of the ones given as a possibility.
Thanks for keeping up with the latest, Elfrieda. I did not know that the Queen’s birthdate is so close in time to that of the newborn’s. Yes, I agree. Arthur is a strong name, reminiscent of the medieval King. We should be hearing the name soon.
Oh Marian, how you stir my mind with your clever posts! I too, am waiting to hear the new babies name. I wonder if they have thought of this special day to birth their new prince! Surely they have!
Geniuses are few and far between. In my mind, Shakespeare was a true genius. His words have passed centuries of time and truth. This post about how Shakespeare has helped vets lifts my heart. I used to attend outdoor Shakespeare plays every summer in Santa Cruz, CA. Everyone sat on deck chairs or blankets with picnic baskets and celebrated the joy and pain and wisdom in Shakespeare.
Shakespeare’s plays early on were probably performed outdoors; the Globe wasn’t built until 1599.
I like the idea of Shakespeare-in-the-Round and Shakespeare in the Park that bring the audience much closer to the performers, except of course, one finds posturing and joisting with fake blood repulsive. Ha!
Thanks, Pam!
Thanks, Anita. A few years ago the world celebrated the bard’s 450th anniversary. There was a big to-do in England in 2014, but not much has been noted about April 23 this year: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/william-shakespeare/10777409/Shakespeares-450th-birthday-Now-all-the-world-is-his-stage.html
With two small children and royal duties, I’m guessing Will and Kate wereconcerned mostly about the notable dates in their own family: the Queen’s birthday on the 21st (as one reader reminded us) and then the birthdy of their third child. I’m glad you enjoyed this post!
The bard’s birthday would have slipped right by me had you not risen to the occasion, Marian. (Shhh. I should confess I’m in the camp that enjoys exploring the “who really wrote Shakespeare” theories. Surprise.) As for dates, I tend to recall death dates more than birth dates, at least the ones for which I was alive. I’ll soon be posting my May 4th in memorium.
One or two sophomore English Lit. students submitted papers with evidence disputing Shakespeare’s authorship of the plays attributed to him. I can concede that his plots are largely derivative, enlarging on medieval scripts. Beyond that, I’m not convinced. Oh, well.
I’m glad this reminder prompted your response here. And I look forward to you May 4th tribute, Janet. 🙂
What a lovely ode to the Bard…It is all in the name which will soon revealed with Arthur being one of the favourites not sure it would mine but hey ho…A favourite quote? Oh so many and still used… what a legacy to leave .To thine own self be true is one I have always tried to live by and to encourage my children to do the same 🙂 Lovely post Marian 🙂 x
To thine own self be true, a favorite of mine as well because it suits any age or stage of life. In an era when fake news is floating about, we need a ton of sincerity. Thank you for chiming in here, Carol!
You are welcome, Marian I always like to add my two penneth as we say 🙂 x
🙂
Have you seen the film “Shakespeare Behind Bars,” Marian? When I worked at the Fetzer Institute we had an interest in that film. Powerful words able to subdue trauma and restore human dignity. What an amazing testimony to the enduring value of art in our lives. My always-remember date is Dec. 7 which is Willa Cather’s birthday — and Pearl Harbor Day.
Dare I add my firstborn’s first tooth to this Dec 7 list?
Wow, Janet, you blow me away with your memory.
Now my question: Did you give him a dime or a dollar when it came out??
It’s quite easy to remember the date when it’s shared with the day “that shall live in infamy.” As for tooth fairy financials, 25 cents was the growing rate back then, but my 8 month old missed out I now realize. Perhaps I should make good? It’s his 45th birthday tomorrow. Must I add compounded interest? Oh my.
Yes, you must fess up, Janet. $ 45.00 minimum I should think! 🙂
Someone else commented on the value of Shakespeare with prisoners, but she didn’t mention this initiatve. Thanks for calling attention to the documentary: https://www.shakespearebehindbars.org/documentary/
The Tempest is particularly relatable to such a population because it highlights the dangers of social isolation. But any of his plays would teach these dear men (murderers, thieves, rapists) how to channel aggression creatively. My guess is that the rate of recidivism among participants would be very low.
I’m not surprised that Willa Cather is high on your list, specializing as you did in American Studies. One of her quotes reminds me of the joy I see in your recent postings of longtime friends: “If there were no girls like them in the world, there would be no poetry.” Thanks for sharing your insights, Shirley!
So wonderful to hear that the Bard’s legacy lives on.
Yes, indeed ~ and on the other side of “the pond,” as they say. Happy Thursday to you, Fiona, and thanks for commenting!
I had an amazing teacher who came to my house for my classes in Grade 11 (rather than attending school very pregnant). She had a great zest for life and a great love for words. She often meshed my courses together…for example, I wrote Juliette’s suicide note – connecting English with Social Studies. She pushed me as a writer, and introduced me to Opera. She even brought me a costume to “perform” for her when I had to present a soliloquy from Macbeth. I will never forget Act 1, Scene 5. 🙂
What a labor of love! That teacher saw your potential and cared enough to push you. She was certainly full of “the milk of human kindness.”
Here is the YouTube scene to transport you back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft2Lthl9q5Y
Thanks for this inspiring note, Jenn!
Wow, how amazing that is that Shakespeare can do so much for so many years after he’s gone 🙂
That’s the longevity we wish for in our books ~ right, Debby?
I hear you say, “lol!”
You heard me right!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLLLLL 🙂 🙂
YESSSS! I hope you are feeling better these days!
Thanks Marian. Not yet. 🙁 Day 4 and this flu lingers.
Flu begone! my hope and prayer for a quicker recovery. 😀
Thank you my friend. 🙂
I remember two dates on the calendar other than my own personal ones , 17th March St. Patrick’s Day , I have a spoonful of Irish in me ( also it’s my mum and dad’s wedding anniversary) and 23rd April because of Shakespeare , of course , and also it’s World Book Night here but what has shocked me most is I really didn’t truly realise the new prince was born on the 23rd …, yes I was aware of his birth and rejoiced like the rest of the world, but didn’t truly strike me till I saw your post isn’t that weird .
I can forgive myself I’ve had a busy week .
Cherryx
Of course you can forgive yourself: Shakespeare probably wouldn’t mind that World Book Night outshines his birthday. Besides it’s in the “here and now” as far as you are concerned. I’m glad the post struck a chord in you, Cherry. And have a happy weekend! 😀
My mother and her sisters, proper girls of a certain era, used to say: “Out, damned spot, out” whenever they wanted to swear. I doubt if their English teachers taught them this, but that’s what the sister learned from Macbeth.
I think of that phrase often, especially if SHOUT spray won’t dissolve the hideous spot. Perfect for many occasions. Thanks, Ally! 😀
PTSD is a debilitating mental health problem. That Shakespeare’s words can help veterans makes me think that all of us have words that might help someone else, even if it’s only one person. Keep on writing!
Your comment takes me back to your memoir and the dysfunction PTSD caused in your family. I wonder if you’ve heard from readers who could share a similar plight and find understanding and healing . . . .
Shakespeare helping veterans, prisoners, and other emotionally needy people is a bright spot in a dark world. Thanks, Joan!
Uh oh, Marian. We’re setting a dangerous precedent here. $45 for one baby tooth (albeit the first). How many teeth had fallen out before the tooth fairy began visiting your kids? Methinks we must consult Shakespeare on this matter. Surely he has something to say.
The first line about money that I can remember from Shakespeare is from Othello spoken by Iago (I think): “He who steals my purse steals trash,” meaning a reputation lost is nothing compared to the loss of one’s reputation, a line Bill Cosby may surely be contemplating after this week’s conviction.
I’m sure The Merchant of Venice has something brilliant to say about finances, but nothing comes to mind at the moment. Thanks for being such a live wire in comments today, Janet. Brava! 🙂
My pleasure. It entertained me while recuperating from gardener’s back (and feet and shoulders …. you get the idea).
This just popped into my head: The “pound of flesh” Shylock demands in The Merchant of Venice, which may equate to any harsh, unreasonable demand like $ 45.00 for a tooth. Ha!
Haha Marian! I love that Facebook tidbit you added! I would have never thought about that! Unfortunately, I’m not very familiar with Shakespeare, since English is not my native language. The English we learned in high school was not quite at a Shakespearean level. 🙂 That being said, I could do effort now and read some of his work. But, with limited time, I’d rather read other books. For now.
A date I always remember is October 4th, since it’s National Animal Day in Belgium and maybe even in the world. 🙂 It is also the birthday of my uncle and a good friend.
(PS: I couldn’t leave a comment on my iPad for some reason – something about invalid information – so I had to wait until I could access my computer again, hence the late comment.)
You’re never late in my books because I do not close comments. Thanks for making the effort however you got here. I suspect being from Belgium that French may be your native language. Right? 🙂
Animals and favorite people are good reasons to remember October 4. Now I’m reading this, linking animals and people sounds odd. My daughter would insist, however, that sometimes animals behave better than people. Ha!
I often say that I love animals more than people, but maybe it should be “I love most animals, while I only love some people.” 🙂 My native language is Dutch, since I’m from the northern (Flemish) part of Belgium. But, French and German are national languages as well. 🙂
Thanks for setting me straight. I wish I were bi (or tri) -lingual, like most Europeans. As you know from your roaming about experience, many Americans tend not to think globally. I appreciate too your restatement about animals and people – ha!
I think Shakespeare has inspired many people even if he has long been gone. I can´t remember Shakespeares quotes but I have visited his birthplace in Startford-Upon-Avon a few years ago when we were traveling from Ireland to England. It was awesome to know where he was born, where he wrote his playwrites and all. Thanks for bringing back those times.
Hi, Thelma, I believe you must have hied over here from SIPB – thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed this little dip into Shakespeare-land. You’ll welcome any time! Now over to check yours!
I was not hiding Marian. It just happened that I have found you at SIPB and that is great. You are very welcome. I will come over to check yours any time I find links to your blogs.
🙂
Spectacular, Marian. I’m sorry I don’t know more Shakespearian lines and I’m grateful you share these with me. They are familiar. I did read all the plays in a college course, but we sped past each one as though preparing for a test. What a dumb way to teach such wisdom and beauty. I remember the few plays I read in high school English classes more.
So that’s why Denzel Washington is such a natural in Shakespearian films. He was brought up on the bard. And I love that these lines are being used to help people heal from grief and trauma.
Thank you for all you offer. I never know what you’ll present and it’s always an eye-opening treat. I spoke with a friend the other day about how much you’ve opened my eyes about Mennonite life and so many other things. And you ended with a Shakespeare joke!
Dear Elaine, thanks for all this. In case you don’t get to my post that went out today, I am stepping away from blogging for awhile. I will tell you why in a FB message.