Lincoln and Shakespeare

[maharba]

I wonder where he picked up a taste for Shakespeare. Traveling in Illinois maybe Springfield or a larger town had some theatrical troupe pass through. Probably in school we all had to take part in some play, seems like usually Caesar or Romeo. And we memorized a few sonnets along with poetry, some greek and latin. I wonder whether Lincoln used any of that in his orals for law cases. I don't think that would resonate as well with rural farmers, though. John Booth was apparently a specialist in Richard the 3rd which does have some ringing phrases most of us remember. And the later 'Booth imposter(s)' too appeared very conversant with Richard 3, and able to
pitch and vary the dialog for good effect. What opera houses may they have either heard it, or done some stage acting, it makes you wonder.