William Shakespeare is one of the most popular authors in the world. His works have inspired a lot of writers and became the subject of literary courses all over the world. Many people adore the works of Shakespeare. Because of this, a special day is dedicated to commemorate him. Such a day is called Talk Like Shakespeare Day which happens every 23rd of April each year.
What is Talk Like Shakespeare Day?
Shakespearean plays are so popular even up until now. Many of his works including Romeo and Juliet have inspired lots of stories, films, plays, and many more. People get fascinated about how good of a writer Shakespeare is. The exact lines from his works became so popular and have been used as quotes or even as lines in television or films. The embodiment of such thing can be experienced during the Talk Like Shakespeare Day. During this day, people celebrate the significant works of Shakespeare and have fun using the Shakespearean way of speaking whenever they talk with each other.
Who is William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language as well as the world’s greatest dramatist. He is called “The Bard”. His works include about 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long poems, and many verses. His most popular works such as Romeo and Juliet have been translated into every single language on the planet. He lived from April 26, 1564 to April 23, 1616.
Many of the English phrases we use today were from Shakespeare. Some of these include bated breath, send on a wild goose chase, laughingstock, fight fire with fire, naked truth, hair stand on end, and many more.
Some of the most famous works by William Shakespeare are Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear. Romeo and Juliet is about a tragic love story of a man and a woman whose love was forbidden by the woman’s father. Othello is a story about a general and his unfaithful ensign. Macbeth is about the great ambitions of a brave Scottish general who was prophesied to become the King of Scotland. Hamlet depicts a prince and his revenge against his uncle named Claudius who murdered his father to seize the throne. And King Lear is another tragic story about a character who disposes of his kingdom by giving bequests to two of his three daughters.
History of Talk Like Shakespeare Day
The National Talk Like Shakespeare Day was first celebrated in 2009 by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This idea was inspired by the International Talk Like a Pirate Day held every 19th of September each year. In 2011, a more formal declaration was given by Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who proclaimed that April 23 is the Talk Like Shakespeare Day. This day was dedicated to honoring the efforts of the theater specializing in Shakespearean works. Perhaps the day of April 23 coincides with Shakespeare’s day of death. With so many Shakespearean followers and admirers, the celebration of Talk Like Shakespeare Day has become a global phenomenon.
When is Talk Like Shakespeare Day?
Talk Like Shakespeare Day is held annually every 23rd of April. This year, Talk Like Shakespeare Day will be held on April 23.
Celebration of Talk Like Shakespeare Day
With so many admirers around the world, many people celebrate the day in various ways. Some of them are as follows.
Speaking Like Shakespeare
Since the day is all about Speaking Like Shakespeare, many people try to talk just like him or use phrases inspired by him. It is not mockery but just a sort of entertainment done to remember the best and most memorable lines from the works of Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Works
Of course, since the day is about Shakespeare, many people celebrate the day by dedicating their time reading the works of William Shakespeare. Some also go to theaters showcasing the works of William Shakespeare. There are organizations dedicated to the plays by Shakespeare that provide plays free of admission so that as many people as possible can watch Shakespearean plays.
Talk Like Shakespeare Day Social Media
People on social media also express their participation in Talk Like Shakespeare Day by posting status and sharing messages about Shakespeare. For instance, on Twitter, many people tweet the hashtag #TalkLikeShakespeareDay & #Shakespearesbirthday to remind everyone about the special day.