Celebrating William Shakespeare

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inReading Room, Milestones, Birthdays, DeathTags:, , , , , ,

Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet

William Shakespeare’s Legacy

William Shakespeare’s death on 23rd April 1616 fell on the feast day of Saint George, and this date is also widely celebrated as his birthday, despite the exact day remaining a mystery. This peculiar coincidence adds to the mystique surrounding the renowned playwright and poet, further solidifying his place in history and popular culture.

We feel a deep connection to William Shakespeare, centuries after he graced this world. We recognize his profound understanding of the human experience. Universal themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and the complexities of human nature resonate across cultures and generations. Shakespeare’s remarkable ability to capture the essence of human emotion and conflict in his characters and stories makes his work enduring and relatable. His legacy as a master storyteller continues to fascinate and engage people from all walks of life, cementing his place as a literary icon.

William Shakespeare Birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Shakespeare’s Life and Happiness

Shakespeare’s life was marked by a mix of joy and challenges. As a playwright and poet, he experienced success and acclaim during his lifetime, contributing greatly to his personal fulfillment. However, he also faced personal losses and hardships, such as the death of his only son, Hamnet, and economic difficulties.

William Shakespeare Birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, town and civil parish in Warwickshire, England, is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The town’s rich historical significance and its association with the renowned playwright draw countless individuals from around the globe. As a cultural pilgrimage site, Stratford-upon-Avon offers an immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to explore Shakespeare’s life, visit landmarks such as his birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and partake in live performances of his plays at the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This vibrant town stands as a lasting tribute to the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, inviting visitors to revel in its charm and the profound influence of the literary icon.

William Shakespeare Birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon


Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.

William Shakespeare
From The Tempest, Act 4 Scene 1

Sonnet 116: Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments; love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand’ring bark
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come.
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom:
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

32 thoughts on “Celebrating William Shakespeare”

    1. Many thanks for your heartwarming comments, Dave! William Shakespeare’s contributions to the world of literature are immeasurable. His works have not only shaped the English language but have also influenced countless writers and artists throughout the centuries. Shakespeare delved into the complexities of human nature, love, power, and tragedy, creating timeless pieces that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. So the question is: how do we thank someone who has gone before and will never know how his legacy has changed literature and, indeed, the lives who have read his work? Perhaps we can express our gratitude for his enduring legacy by studying, performing, and celebrating his works, ensuring that his impact on the world will never be forgotten. I have always wanted to recite Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy, but it is a rather scary undertaking!!! YIKES!

      “Come, you evil spirits that influence human thoughts! Strip away my femininity and fill me from head to toe with cruelty! Make my blood so thick that it can’t carry any feeling of guilt to my heart. Make it so that no kind of natural pity can prevent my cruel intentions from being carried out.”

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    1. Robbie – you and I have travelled the same path. Warwick Castle is a magnet for boys. When we visited that area, there was a jousting and a trebuchet at the Castle. We spent a lot of time at Warwick Castle that trip. LOL

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    1. I share your love for “The Tempest”, Margaret. The Tempest’s blend of compelling characters, intricate language, and timeless themes continues to captivate audiences and secure its place as a beloved work of literature. Thank you for stopping by and for your comments. Very much appreciated.

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  6. A fabulous tribute to the Bard. I have seen performances of most of his plays but have not been to his birthplace, yet. I am hoping to be able to take in a performance of Bard on the Beach this summer. An excellent reading of a favourite sonnet my friend.

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    1. Thank you, Sally, for celebrating William Shakespeare with me. So glad that you stopped by. Mark Anthony’s speech in Julius Ceasar is a favourite of mine. Julius Caesar is a timeless exploration of power, betrayal, loyalty, and political intrigue. And Romeo and Juliet is a highlights the complexities of relationships, the impact of impulsive decisions, and the clash between personal desires and societal norms. I remember the first time I saw Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in “Taming of the Shrew.” These are universal themes that still resonate today!!!

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  8. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Blogger Weekly – Book Reviews Toni Pike, #Interview Marcia Meara and Darlene Foster, #Cosymysteries Carla Loves to Read, #Shakespeare Rebecca Budd, #Laughter Pete Springer | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

    1. I am delighted that you stopped by for the celebration, Debby. I want to recite all of Shakespeare’s sonnet on day!!! It is on my ever lengthening “to-do” list. What I love about to do lists is that we will never ever run out of adventures. As William Shakespeare wrote in his play “As You Like It” – “And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

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  10. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Blogger Weekly – Book Reviews Toni Pike, #Interview Marcia Meara and Darlene Foster, #Cosymysteries Carla Loves to Read, #Writerlinks D.G. Kaye, #Shakespeare Rebecca Budd, #Laughter Pete Springer | Smorgasbord Blog

  12. Such a lovely post, Rebecca. I grew up with Shakespeare. My mom starting taking us to the theater when we were really young. She’d review the plot with us ahead of time so we knew what was happening even if the language was beyond us. ”The Tempest” is still my favorite play and I loved the farewell quote you included. I didn’t know some of the history you included and appreciated the glimpse into his life. I’d love to stand where he did and feel his world around me. :-)

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    1. Thank you for your visit and comments, Diana. Your mother was amazing! To have introduced you to Shakespeare at an early age was a gift that keeps on giving. I read a biography of William Shakespeare by Peter Ackroyd with my son many years ago. I think that I will reread it again because there is so much I don’t know about Shakespeare. I read that he wrote a total of 39 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime and introduced over 1,700 words to the English language, including “eyeball,” “swagger,” and “bedazzled.” What I just learned was that there are only six verified signatures of his in existence today, but even that is in dispute. So I leave the research to others and simply enjoy his writing.

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      1. That’s cool that you read a biography with your son. And I love it that Shakespeare introduced so many words. That’s amazingly creative. It makes me want to try coin a few in my books. Ha ha. I’ve read very few of his sonnets, but all of his plays. I think Shakespeare played a huge role in my decision to be a Theater Arts major in college. Not a great choice for getting a job (lol), but it was the epitome of fun.

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      2. But when you got a job, Diana, your Shakespeare studies were invaluable in understanding and recognizing human emotions and actions. I loved walking by the “Theater Arts” building when I attended the University of Alberta many, many years ago. They had so much more fun than the rest of us!!!! LOL!!!

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