|
Shakespeare's word |
Meaning (in the sample usage) |
# |
Reference(s) |
Sample usage |
|
imp |
graft with new feathers, as a wing; to splice a broken feather. hence, fig.: repair; to extend; increase; strengthen |
5 |
Rich II |
Imp out our drooping country's broken wing |
|
impeach |
dishonor; discredit; call in question |
10 |
Mids |
You do impeach your modesty too much |
|
inherit |
put in posession of; accept, believe, entertain |
Rich II |
It must be great that can inherit us |
|
|
intermission |
pause, delay |
4 |
Lear 2.4 |
Deliver'd letters, spite of intermission |
When
I was in college, struggling through my Signet volume of
Shakespeare, I didn't have the time, money, or inclination to buy audio
tapes of the plays. I've done so recently, and what a difference.
In part, because Shakespeare was meant to be heard (and seen), and in part, because the English language has changed, listening to King Lear, or any of the plays, while reading the text, adds a whole new dimension.
The humor becomes clearer; anger is better conveyed; the
reader/listener at once can absorb so much more of the play. For King Lear this version with Sir Laurence
Olivier