Shakespeare's Language in his Works Essay

Have you ever wondered why Shakespeare uses so many descriptive words that could really be said in one? Or why some characters speak in rhyme and sometimes not? Shakespeare writes in this way to show how the characters feel through the rhythmic and descriptive words that they use. How the characters speak also shows how sincere and loving they are. Shakespeare had a way of writing that informed us about the characters and what we needed to know about them and also makes it interesting to read.

The use of descriptive language is important for the writer to entertain, persuade and teleport the reader into their work. Descriptive use and imagery allow the reader to experience the setting, sound, taste, and mood as if they can live through it. Which takes us to Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Not only does he use exceptional details and imagery throughout the play between the characters, but the way he uses word allows us to put ourselves into the play as if we can feel what they feel. It also allows us to experience and go through the play as if we are in it also. So in this paper, I would like to focus on a few major moments where I believe Shakespeare descriptive language is the strongest.

Shakespeare uses metaphors and figures throughout his plays to give the reader and audience a further understanding of the story he is telling. In Metaphors We Live By, it is stated that “…Metaphorical expressions in everyday language can give us insight into the metaphorical nature of concepts that structure our everyday activities…” (Lakoff & Johnson 7). Through these conceits Shakespeare expands a normal idea and transforms it into

   In Othello, Shakespeare explores the relationship between words and events. Spoken thought, in the play, has all the power of action; speaking about an event will make that event become reality for those who hear - it will affect reality as if that event had taken place. Shakespeare demonstrates the power of words poignantly through Othello's monologues. Othello struggles with the reality that Iago creates for him. When Othello speaks, he reveals that he is unable to stop himself from carrying out acts that Iago's and his own words have prophesied and initiated. Othello's monologues further demonstrate that even the knowledge of the power of words cannot protect the characters from the

Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare Shakespeare used a variety of language techniques throughout Hamlet,

Shakespeare was very specific, in 1603, about his choice of words when he wrote the play, “Othello”. The three language devices – “words as power”, “words as character” and “words as conversation” with the audience – are used to create characters’ identities and fates, and also to drive the plot of the play (Krieger, 2012).

Shakespeare’s work is so pervasive that it is echoed many times. This is because many well-known quotes are attributed to Shakespeare and writers use these quotes to add depth to their work. In addition to quotes, many themes and plots are borrowed from Shakespeare as his work gives meaning to anything written after his work.

The utilization of descriptive language is important for the writer to entertain, persuade and teleport the reader into their work. Descriptive use and imagery allow the reader to experience the setting, sound, taste, and mood as if they can live through it. Which takes us to Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Not only does he utilize exceptional details and imagery throughout the play between the characters, but the way he uses word allows us to put ourselves into the play as if we can feel what they feel. It also allows us to experience and go through the play as if we are in it also. So in this paper, I would like to focus on a few major moments where I believe Shakespeare descriptive language is the strongest.

Narrative poems are poems that tell a story. Most people think that Shakespeare wrote narrative poems because it is like a play. Shakespeare's most famous poem was Sonet 71. Shakespeare wrote a bunch of plays that area known world wide, such as Romeo and Juliet, Midesummers Night Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and Othello. Shakespeare also wrote some books. Some of his most famous or most well known books are the tempest, twelfth night, the merchant of Venice, and as you like it. For the research that I did, I couldn't find any groups that he might have been apart in. I learned that Shakespeare had written more things than I had expected. He wrote books, plays, and

William Shakespeare was a very talented man known for his various works of literature. His works include poems, plays, and sonnets. His works are then broken down into tragedies, comedies, and histories. Shakespeare left this world centuries ago, but his writings continue to live throughout the world today. He has greatly impacted the world of literature and his existence will forever be remembered.

In the early 1590’s William was a managing partner in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an acting company. By about the 1590’s, 15 of 37 plays by Shakespeare were published. William had his own way of writing, that way was the conventional style of the day. He used big metaphors and rhetorical sayings. His first plays were mostly Histories and Comedies, with work from a play showing the origins of the Tudor Dynasty, all the way to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He then moved on to tragedies and tragic comedies in his later years. These included Hamlet, Othello, and the world famous

Shakespeare has influenced the way we speak, express ourselves, and enriched the English language is many ways. “Shakespeare introduced nearly 3,000 words into the English language.” (Anderson) Our vocabulary is full of phrases or words from Shakespeare. Without Shakespeare, we would not express ourselves the way we do. “He gave us uniquely vivid ways in which to express hope and despair, sorrow and rage, love and lust.”(Kurlak) The words Shakespeare created are used everyday. “Many words and phrases from his plays and poems have become a common part of everyday speech.” (Popova) Words like addiction, amazement, generous, gloomy, gossip are all commonly used words were all created by and used in Shakespeare 's plays. The list of everyday words from Shakespeare is much larger with words like advertising, blanket, outbreak, and thousands more. “Without him, our vocabulary would be just too different.”(Harris ) As well as words, many of

The role of language in Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest” is quite significant. To Miranda and Prospero the use of language is a means to knowing oneself. Caliban does not view language in the same light. Prospero taught Caliban to speak, but instead of creating the feeling of empowerment from language, Caliban reacts in insurrectionary manner. Language reminds him how different he is from Miranda and Prospero, and also how they have changed him. It also reminds him of how he was when he wasn’t a slave. He resents Prospero for “Civilising” him, because in doing so he took away his freedom.

The power of language holds great significance not only in Shakespearean study but of our daily lives as well. Every nuance Shakespeare creates leaves a clue to a greater truth or understanding of our humanity. Exploring the works of Shakespeare with this in mind allows for audiences to gain more appreciation and awareness of the depth of language and communication through his dialogue and characters as Shakespeare: “asks us to adorn the actor with our thoughts and ‘carry them here and there, jumping o’er the times’” (Bevington xiii).

Shakespeare’s work is littered with metaphors; some which require careful reading to pick up on, while others are easily detectable. Simon Palfrey states that “Shakespeare’s