Shakespeare's Language..

Before we start reading William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as a class, it is important for all of you to become familiar with the playwright's language. 

Please answer the following questions in your own blog:

1. What is "blank verse"? [We discussed this yesterday, but if you are not sure, check out your poetry unit notes.]

Blank verse is a verse line of 10 syllables with 5 stresses and no rhyming

2. Interpret these Shakespearean lines using your Shakespeare Packet: Reading Shakespeare's English:

    a. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" [R&J] Hey wait baby, you're so beautiful, you're blinding me through the window.

    b. "Thou art more lovely and more temperate." [Sonnets XVIII] You are very pretty and hot.

    c. "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well." [Macbeth] If it was done when it was supposed to be done, then it'll be done well.

    d. "Whither are they vanished?" [Macbeth] To where are they escorted to?

3. How many creative Shakespearean insults can you come up with? Add "thou" or "thine" to the front of the lists picked up on your way in: "Thou+Column A+Column B+Column C!" Thou reeky pale-hearted whipster. Thou rug-headed nut-hook. Thou rank rug-headed rabit-sucker.

Post your BEST Shakespearean insult as a "comment" below.