Shakespeare's word |
Meaning (in the sample usage) |
# |
Reference(s) |
Sample usage |
obscured course |
disguised way of life |
Lear 2.2 |
||
observant |
diligent, attentive
attendant, servant |
3 |
Ham 1.1 Lear 2.2 |
same strict and most observant watch
Than twenty silly ducking observants |
office |
customary duty, function, responsibility, charge or trust |
162 |
Lear 2.4; Lear 2.1 |
thou better know'st The offices of nature, Done thy father a child-like office |
old trot |
hag, old woman |
1 |
Shrew 1.2 |
an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head |
or ... or ... |
either ... or ... |
Lear 3.6 Lear 4.7 |
Be thy mouth or black or white.
Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. |
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, is excellent.