William Shakespeare's Gift of Language
- carolinenewmanr
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Presented by Middle School, Grades 5-6
Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Because babies were usually baptized three days after birth, historians celebrate his birthday on April 23. Remarkably, this is also the day he is believed to have died in 1616. His life begins and ends on the same symbolic date.
Shakespeare had an extraordinary gift for language. He could take simple words and turn them into powerful, memorable lines that still speak to us today.
For example, you probably recognize these famous lines from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.”
But did you also know that, “Brevity is the soul of wit,” and “this above all, to thine own self be true,” and “listen to many, speak to a few” also come from Hamlet.
One of Shakespeare’s gifts was concisely expressing poignant truths.
Shakespeare also coined and popularized many everyday expressions we still use today. For example,
“Break the ice” comes from The Taming of the Shrew
“Wild-goose chase” comes from Romeo and Juliet
“Heart of gold” comes from Henry V
“In a pickle” comes from The Tempest
“Foregone conclusion” comes from Othello
“Wear my heart upon my sleeve” also comes from Othello
One famous line from Julius Caesar says: “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, he writes, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
From Henry V, we have the powerful line, “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,” a line quoted by Winston Churchill during WWII.
Shakespeare didn’t just create phrases—he also introduced and popularized many words we still use. These include “lonely,” “majestic,” “fashionable,” “swagger,” “gloomy,” and “addiction.”
He also captured big ideas in memorable metaphors. In As You Like It, he writes, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
In Macbeth, he writes, “Out, out, brief candle!” reflecting on how short and fragile life can be.
In Henry V, another famous line reminds us of courage and unity:
“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”
Shakespeare’s words create timeless emotional responses. His ability to connect to human experience is part of why his work is still so relevant today.
Shakespeare’s particular world view, education, vision, and wit continue to influence us more than 400 years later. His words shape how we speak, write, and understand the world.
In the end, Shakespeare’s greatest legacy is the language he left behind. Every time we use his words and phrases, we continue his influence—and keep his voice alive.
By Mrs. Shelli Boynton
Middle School Teacher and Director of Curriculum
Following this historical thought, sophomore Stella Wright presented a scene from the Upper School's upcoming drama production, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
This historical thought was delivered by our Middle School students at devotional on 4/23/2026. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Belmont family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.
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