Ronald Reagan |
A look at Ronald Reagan’s speeches reveals an unusual number of Shakespeare references, including some passages that are longer than most modern politicians would attempt. This choice by the president’s speechwriters may have reflected their confidence in his skills as a former actor, or the fact that the president was from a somewhat earlier generation that may have quoted Shakespeare more often in formal speech.
For the 50th anniversary of Folger Shakespeare Library in April 1982, President and Mrs. Reagan hosted a special White House reception, with speeches by Jane Weinberger, chairman of the Folger trustees, and Folger director O.B. Hardison, Jr. In characteristic fashion, the president expanded on his prepared remarks, adding a story about his college performance in The Taming of the Shrew and a joke about a bad review of King Lear.
To learn more about Reagan and Shakespeare, choose from the list at left.
First Lady Nancy Reagan and President Ronald Reagan at the 50th anniversary of Folger Shakespeare Library. © Bruce Wodder.