Mason Carter

Exactly. And that's why when we pay attention to these little nuances in language, we start to get a much deeper understanding of the relationships between characters. We even start to see how power was used in Shakespearean society.

Exactly. And that's why when we pay attention to these little nuances in language, we start to get a much deeper understanding of the relationships between characters. We even start to see how power was used in Shakespearean society.

And honestly, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

And honestly, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Oh, yeah. Remember all those exclamations we always associate with Shakespeare? Like bounds, gazooks.

Oh, yeah. Remember all those exclamations we always associate with Shakespeare? Like bounds, gazooks.

They might just sound like random outbursts. Right. But even those were carefully chosen. They actually reflect the social and religious climate of the time.

They might just sound like random outbursts. Right. But even those were carefully chosen. They actually reflect the social and religious climate of the time.

Well, they definitely added drama, but they also served a real purpose. See, Elizabethan England was deeply religious. I mean, deeply. And blasphemy laws. Yeah, those are like strictly enforced. So instead of invoking God's name directly when someone was surprised or angry, people use these, you could call them euphemisms as a kind of, you know, workaround.

Well, they definitely added drama, but they also served a real purpose. See, Elizabethan England was deeply religious. I mean, deeply. And blasphemy laws. Yeah, those are like strictly enforced. So instead of invoking God's name directly when someone was surprised or angry, people use these, you could call them euphemisms as a kind of, you know, workaround.

And maybe even, like, hurl a good-natured Shakespearean insult or two.

And maybe even, like, hurl a good-natured Shakespearean insult or two.

Exactly.

Exactly.

Precisely. And Shakespeare, being the genius that he was, used this to great effect. He added all these layers of meaning to his character's words, and we get this little glimpse into the religious sensitivities of his time.

Precisely. And Shakespeare, being the genius that he was, used this to great effect. He added all these layers of meaning to his character's words, and we get this little glimpse into the religious sensitivities of his time.

Right.

Right.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

Ah, yes, the insults. Those are definitely legendary. They're like a fascinating window into how Elizabethans saw the world. But before we get into those, maybe we should switch gears for just a second and talk about those incredible Shakespearean monologues. You know, the speeches that just said shivers down your spine.

Ah, yes, the insults. Those are definitely legendary. They're like a fascinating window into how Elizabethans saw the world. But before we get into those, maybe we should switch gears for just a second and talk about those incredible Shakespearean monologues. You know, the speeches that just said shivers down your spine.

Yes.

Yes.

You hit the nail on the head. Iambic pentameter is like the rhythmic backbone of so much of Shakespeare's verse. And it's a huge reason why his words just stay with us.

You hit the nail on the head. Iambic pentameter is like the rhythmic backbone of so much of Shakespeare's verse. And it's a huge reason why his words just stay with us.

Well, what better place to start them with those pronouns? You know, they're not just like quirky word choices. No, they give us a glimpse into like the intricate social web of Elizabethan England.

Well, what better place to start them with those pronouns? You know, they're not just like quirky word choices. No, they give us a glimpse into like the intricate social web of Elizabethan England.

You know, it's helpful to think of iambic pentameter like as the heartbeat of Shakespeare's verse. It's a rhythm. Yeah. A pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. And there are five pairs, five pairs to be exact. And that pattern, it gives the language a natural flow, you know, and it makes it sound kind of grand, too.

You know, it's helpful to think of iambic pentameter like as the heartbeat of Shakespeare's verse. It's a rhythm. Yeah. A pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. And there are five pairs, five pairs to be exact. And that pattern, it gives the language a natural flow, you know, and it makes it sound kind of grand, too.

Exactly. It's like take that line from Hamlet to be or not to be. That is the question. Hear how those stressed syllables, those B's and that that how they just land. It makes it sound heavy. You know, like the speaker is really thinking hard and that just like deepens the emotion of the words.

Exactly. It's like take that line from Hamlet to be or not to be. That is the question. Hear how those stressed syllables, those B's and that that how they just land. It makes it sound heavy. You know, like the speaker is really thinking hard and that just like deepens the emotion of the words.

Exactly. And the thing is, Shakespeare didn't just use iambic pentameter for his tragedies. I mean, it's everywhere. Comedies, histories. It just adds this touch of formality, like the language is dressed up for a special occasion.

Exactly. And the thing is, Shakespeare didn't just use iambic pentameter for his tragedies. I mean, it's everywhere. Comedies, histories. It just adds this touch of formality, like the language is dressed up for a special occasion.

Exactly. Though Shakespeare was also really good at knowing when to break the rules, like when to ditch the rhythm if it would make the scene even better.

Exactly. Though Shakespeare was also really good at knowing when to break the rules, like when to ditch the rhythm if it would make the scene even better.

Not at all. He used a mix of like rhymed verse and unrhymed verse. And they both have a purpose. Think about the rhymed verse. It's like in his sonnets. That's the language of big emotions, you know, love, despair, all that.

Not at all. He used a mix of like rhymed verse and unrhymed verse. And they both have a purpose. Think about the rhymed verse. It's like in his sonnets. That's the language of big emotions, you know, love, despair, all that.

Yeah, most likely. Yeah. The rhyme scheme just makes it sound more formal, more structured, even if the emotions are like all over the place. It's like imagine a sonnet is this carefully crafted jewel box and inside are all the deepest emotions.

Yeah, most likely. Yeah. The rhyme scheme just makes it sound more formal, more structured, even if the emotions are like all over the place. It's like imagine a sonnet is this carefully crafted jewel box and inside are all the deepest emotions.

Right.

Right.

Yes, exactly. We call it blank verse. And it still uses iambic pentameter, but it ditches the rhyme. So it just sounds more natural, like how people actually talk.

Yes, exactly. We call it blank verse. And it still uses iambic pentameter, but it ditches the rhyme. So it just sounds more natural, like how people actually talk.

Love that analogy. And you know, speaking of words, Shakespeare was definitely not afraid to use a lot of them. And some of them, while they sound like they're from a different time period, which of course they are.

Love that analogy. And you know, speaking of words, Shakespeare was definitely not afraid to use a lot of them. And some of them, while they sound like they're from a different time period, which of course they are.

Well, you can't deny he loves language, but there's more to it than that. Remember that language was changing a lot during Shakespeare's time? I mean, he was writing just when English was shifting from Middle English to Modern English. And his plays, they capture that evolution.

Well, you can't deny he loves language, but there's more to it than that. Remember that language was changing a lot during Shakespeare's time? I mean, he was writing just when English was shifting from Middle English to Modern English. And his plays, they capture that evolution.

Exactly. And that's part of what makes his work so cool. He wasn't afraid to use words and phrases that were already considered like old fashioned back then. And then he'd throw in these new terms that were just starting to catch on. It's this amazing blend that just makes his language so rich, so deep. People are still fascinated by it, whether they're Shakespeare scholars or just casual readers.

Exactly. And that's part of what makes his work so cool. He wasn't afraid to use words and phrases that were already considered like old fashioned back then. And then he'd throw in these new terms that were just starting to catch on. It's this amazing blend that just makes his language so rich, so deep. People are still fascinated by it, whether they're Shakespeare scholars or just casual readers.

Exactly. Take, for instance, thee and thou. Now, today we just use you for everyone, right? I mean, nobody really thinks twice about it. But in Shakespeare's time, choosing between you and thou could make or break a relationship.

Exactly. Take, for instance, thee and thou. Now, today we just use you for everyone, right? I mean, nobody really thinks twice about it. But in Shakespeare's time, choosing between you and thou could make or break a relationship.

And that's the beauty of studying Shakespeare. It's not like a dictionary hunt for archaic words. It's about connecting with history, understanding how we got from there to here, and just appreciating the fact that stories have always had power and they always will.

And that's the beauty of studying Shakespeare. It's not like a dictionary hunt for archaic words. It's about connecting with history, understanding how we got from there to here, and just appreciating the fact that stories have always had power and they always will.

Absolutely. You can't talk about Shakespeare without talking about the Globe Theater. You know, that super iconic open air space where almost all his plays were performed for the first time.

Absolutely. You can't talk about Shakespeare without talking about the Globe Theater. You know, that super iconic open air space where almost all his plays were performed for the first time.

It wasn't just a building, you know, it was like the statement. See, unlike all the fancy indoor theaters back then, the ones for the wealthy people, the globe was open to everybody. So commoners would be right there with the nobles shoulder to shoulder experiencing the magic of Shakespeare together.

It wasn't just a building, you know, it was like the statement. See, unlike all the fancy indoor theaters back then, the ones for the wealthy people, the globe was open to everybody. So commoners would be right there with the nobles shoulder to shoulder experiencing the magic of Shakespeare together.

Yes, exactly. And Shakespeare, he knew how to use that space, how to create this immersive experience that everyone could enjoy no matter their social standing. I mean, he was a genius with dramatic structure, unforgettable characters and a real knack for spectacle.

Yes, exactly. And Shakespeare, he knew how to use that space, how to create this immersive experience that everyone could enjoy no matter their social standing. I mean, he was a genius with dramatic structure, unforgettable characters and a real knack for spectacle.

For sure. The way stories are told, even just the design of many theaters, it all goes back to him. But what blows me away is that even after all this time, his work still connects with us on this like personal level.

For sure. The way stories are told, even just the design of many theaters, it all goes back to him. But what blows me away is that even after all this time, his work still connects with us on this like personal level.

Exactly. And that's the amazing thing about it. There's no right way to enjoy Shakespeare. Read the plays, watch them, listen to them, even try writing your own sonnet. It's about finding what works for you and then just letting those words do their thing.

Exactly. And that's the amazing thing about it. There's no right way to enjoy Shakespeare. Read the plays, watch them, listen to them, even try writing your own sonnet. It's about finding what works for you and then just letting those words do their thing.

Yes. And you never know. Maybe you'll even find yourself using a Shakespearean phrase or two in your own life. Right. Wouldn't that be something?

Yes. And you never know. Maybe you'll even find yourself using a Shakespearean phrase or two in your own life. Right. Wouldn't that be something?

Ah, yes, that's a big one. And it's definitely sparked a lot of debate, especially considering when Shakespeare was writing. I mean, Elizabethan England wasn't exactly known for its, how do you say it, progressive views on gender equality.

Ah, yes, that's a big one. And it's definitely sparked a lot of debate, especially considering when Shakespeare was writing. I mean, Elizabethan England wasn't exactly known for its, how do you say it, progressive views on gender equality.

That is the million dollar question. And honestly, people are still trying to figure it out. And to really get into it, we have to look at the women themselves.

That is the million dollar question. And honestly, people are still trying to figure it out. And to really get into it, we have to look at the women themselves.

would be nice if it were that easy but not quite you see while thou was often used for informal address it could also convey like intimacy maybe even affection like imagine a lover declaring my heart beats only for thee i mean the choice of thee just intensifies the emotion wouldn't you say totally it adds this layer of like vulnerability passion even that you just wouldn't get with just a plain old

would be nice if it were that easy but not quite you see while thou was often used for informal address it could also convey like intimacy maybe even affection like imagine a lover declaring my heart beats only for thee i mean the choice of thee just intensifies the emotion wouldn't you say totally it adds this layer of like vulnerability passion even that you just wouldn't get with just a plain old

Oh, for sure. And Lady Macbeth, she's a really interesting one. I mean, she's strong, she's smart, and she is not afraid to go after what she wants, even if it means breaking some rules. But, you know, in the end, all that ambition leads to her downfall.

Oh, for sure. And Lady Macbeth, she's a really interesting one. I mean, she's strong, she's smart, and she is not afraid to go after what she wants, even if it means breaking some rules. But, you know, in the end, all that ambition leads to her downfall.

Exactly. And don't forget about Rosalind from As You Like It. Witty, resourceful, and like she straight up disguises herself as a man so she can navigate all the drama going on in the forest of Arden. I mean, Shakespeare is using Rosalind to explore gender roles and like flip those societal expectations on their head in a way that's still kind of mind blowing today.

Exactly. And don't forget about Rosalind from As You Like It. Witty, resourceful, and like she straight up disguises herself as a man so she can navigate all the drama going on in the forest of Arden. I mean, Shakespeare is using Rosalind to explore gender roles and like flip those societal expectations on their head in a way that's still kind of mind blowing today.

That's the big question, isn't it? And honestly, there's no easy answer. Some experts think Shakespeare was way ahead of his time, like he was hiding messages about women's rights in his plays.

That's the big question, isn't it? And honestly, there's no easy answer. Some experts think Shakespeare was way ahead of his time, like he was hiding messages about women's rights in his plays.

But then others, they think he was just a really good observer of people, like he saw how complicated women's lives were, the challenges they faced just for being women, and the ways they found to overcome those challenges.

But then others, they think he was just a really good observer of people, like he saw how complicated women's lives were, the challenges they faced just for being women, and the ways they found to overcome those challenges.

Totally. And that's what's so cool about digging into Shakespeare. He's not giving you the answers. You know, he's not making things simple. He's making us really think about these things, draw our own conclusions.

Totally. And that's what's so cool about digging into Shakespeare. He's not giving you the answers. You know, he's not making things simple. He's making us really think about these things, draw our own conclusions.

You know, I think the most important thing to remember is that Shakespeare's language isn't meant to just be studied. It's meant to be enjoyed. It's meant to be heard, spoken, felt. So don't be afraid to like dive into those plays, listen to the words, let them wash over you and just get transported to these incredible worlds he created.

You know, I think the most important thing to remember is that Shakespeare's language isn't meant to just be studied. It's meant to be enjoyed. It's meant to be heard, spoken, felt. So don't be afraid to like dive into those plays, listen to the words, let them wash over you and just get transported to these incredible worlds he created.

Yes, exactly.

Yes, exactly.

Right. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Right. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Anytime.

Anytime.

A deep dive it is.

A deep dive it is.

Exactly. But misuse those pronouns and oh boy, you could cause some serious offense. I mean, using thou with someone of a higher social rank, that would be seen as like downright disrespectful, maybe even insulting.

Exactly. But misuse those pronouns and oh boy, you could cause some serious offense. I mean, using thou with someone of a higher social rank, that would be seen as like downright disrespectful, maybe even insulting.