April 23, 2016 is the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespear
e, and the 452nd anniversary of his birth.
“No longer mourn for me when I am dead
than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
give warning to the world that I am fled
from this vile world with vilest worms to dwell:
nay, if you read this line, remember not
the hand that writ it, for I love you so,
that I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
if thinking on me then should make you woe.”
From Sonnet 71
Despite his poem, we remember him, quote him, and teach him in school. Many are celebrating his work this 400th anniversary around the world. If you are interested in something more local, check out the Colorado Shakespeare Festival coming this summer. Or even more local—check out one of these movies:
The Complete works of William Shakespeare (abridged),
Shakespeare Retold
Or a retelling of King Lear: Ran
Or a comedy retold: Love’s Labour’s Lost
And another way to celebrate his life at the end of National Poetry Month, is to read his poems.
Love Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare
“My life hath in this line some interest,
Which for memorial still with thee shall stay.
When thou reviewest this, thou dost review
The very part was consecrate to thee:
The earth can have but earth, which is his due;
My spirit is thine, the better part of me:”
From Sonnet 74