Lesson 3

In today's lesson, we were looking at the original classical language that was used during the Shakespearian era. By analysing the classical grammar and language used, it provided us with a deeper understanding of the translation of the language used, and also the original conditions. We looked at several words and phrases, some of these included;

Thither = to that place 
Thou art = you are 
Thou hast = you have 
Thou dost = you do 
Art thou? = are you? 
Hast? = have you? 
Dost thou? = do you?

We then went on to use this classical language to translate mre modern words and phrases such as;

Who are you? {Who art thou?} 
Have you been here long? {Hast (thou) been here long?} (Thou can be removed if needed.)


The English language has changed a great deal over the last few hundred years, and it is still changing.  Several words in use during Shakespeare's day either have different meanings today or have been nearly forgotten. Shakespeare is the most quoted English writer of all time, It’s not surprising given the volume and quality of works that Shakespeare wrote – along with the enduring popularity of his plays and sonnets around the world – that virtually everyone can quote Shakespeare, even if at times they don’t know they’re doing it!

Shakespeare played a major role in the transformation of the English language. At the time he was writing, the early modern English language was less than 100 years old. No dictionaries had yet been written and most documents were still written in Latin. Shakespeare contributed over 3,000 words to the English language  because he was the first author to write them down. Of this number more than one tenth or 1,700 were used for the first time. 

(Taken from the royal Shakespeare company biography)


We then practically demonstrated a subtext while delivering it in Elizabethan language. The annotated paragraph is attached to this. After this we developed the speach by adding an emotion and gesture to the speech to show how Demetrius would be feeling through the situation. This was usefull as it allowed us to think deeper about what a character is actually saying, and thinking about the characters thought process behing the speach.

WWW= In this lesson, I was able to fully develop my understanding of the ways in which a character will react during a scene, and also the emotion and though process behind their reaction. I can now take my detailed knowledge and apply in to my own characterisation and interpretation of 'Puck' and this will allow me to develop my character further by anylsing my characters emotions and feelings surinf specific scenes.

EBI= If I can extend my knowledge even more I will be able to develop my character more. If I focus more during lessons I think I will be able to reach the goal of a distinction