RENEE MONTAGNE, host: There is no theatrical personality who's adapted better to changing times than William Shakespeare, which is why today we're celebrating his 445th birthday. And to mark the day, the Mayor of Chicago, a real theater town, is urging the city's citizens to talk like Shakespeare. The fact is, we talk like the bard all the time. Consider these expressions, tiny jewels from Shakespeare's plays that have worked their way into everyday language: one fell swoop, come what may, milk of human kindness - all thanks to "Macbeth." From "Othello": neither here nor there, and my heart upon my sleeve.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, host: "Hamlet" offers language for a look within - say, in my heart of hearts, and in my mind's eye. And from "Cymbeline," a line near and dear to us here at MORNING EDITION: I have not slept one wink.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, host: So we come full circle, as Shakespeare wrote in "King Lear," and bid you good morning. And as we know, along with "Romeo and Juliet," parting is such sweet sorrow.
It's believed that William Shakespeare was born on this day 445 years ago. To mark the day, people in Chicago are being asked by Mayor Richard Daley to talk like Shakespeare.