Chrysti the Wordsmith > Radio Scripts

We English speakers are especially fond of our expressions which include the cardiac organ, cliches such as heart of gold, heart to heart, home is where the heart is, and absence makes the heart grow fonder.

These sayings reflect the traditional belief that the heart governs the emotions, the intellect, and even the memory: have you ever learned something "by heart?"

For that matter, have you ever worn your heart on your sleeve? Nonsensical when interpreted literally, this expression describes the aspect of a romantic, a committed lover, or a demonstrably emotional person.

Shakespeare didn't invent this phrase, but he was one of the first to record it in his tragedy Othello. The story has the villain Iago proclaiming his false and feigned devotion to his master Othello. Iago says "for when my outward action doth demonstrate/the native act and figure of my heart/In compliment extern, 'tis not long after/But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/For daws to peck at."

Shakespeare's line was referencing a custom of young men of the day to attach to their sleeves small gifts and tokens from their lovers, thus advertising their affection.

Radio Script > Heart on the Sleeve