Books

15 Totally Tweetable Shakespeare Quotes

by Amy Sachs

Whether you grumbled through Romeo and Juliet in high school English class and never looked back, or you have a bust of William Shakespeare on proud display at home, there's a good chance you've had some experience with William Shakespeare at least somewhere along the line.

But did you know he was born and died on the same day, April 23? Historians have speculated about how true this fact actually is, but both are celebrated on the same day each year. It's a pretty weird coincidence, I know. So weird, actually, that they — whoever "they" are — decided to name April 23 National Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Break out your iambic pentameter and your impassioned Romeo and Juliet balcony scene recreations, because the day is here.

Now, if you're a die-hard fan, this day is perfect for you — a day where you can put your Shakespeare-loving ways into practice. But if you weren't a fan then or now, don't worry, we're here for you. "To be, or not to be" is a classic, but kind of boring, isn't it? You can do better. Here are some of Shakespeare's most tweetable quotes in 140 characters or fewer. From masterpieces to that phrase you've heard a million times without knowing where it came from, there's something for everyone! Choose "to be" the one with the wittiest line. Ahem. AHEM.

For When You Need a Snarky Comeback

  • "I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed." (As You Like It)
  • “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
  • “You speak an infinite deal of nothing.” (The Merchant of Venice)
  • "You juggler! you canker-blossom!" (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
  • "Vile worm, thou wast o’erlook’d even in thy birth." (The Merry Wives of Windsor)

For the "Aww" Moments

  • "Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love." (Hamlet)
  • "If music be the food of love, play on." (Twelfth Night)
  • "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
  • "Hear my soul speak. Of the very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly at your service.” (The Tempest)
  • "I love you more than words can wield the matter, dearer than eyesight, space and liberty." (King Lear)

For When You Could Use a Little Advice

  • “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." (Julius Caesar)
  • “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” (The Merchant of Venice)
  • "What's done, is done.” (Macbeth)
  • "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." (Henry IV, Part II)
  • "Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." (Twelfth Night)

Image: 20th Century Fox; Giphy (3)