|
Shakespeare's word |
Meaning (in the sample usage) |
# |
Reference(s) |
Sample usage |
|
kerns |
light-armed Irish or Scottish foot soldier; distinguished
from gallowglass, |
8 |
Rich II 2.1 2 HVI 3.1 2 HVI 3.1 |
supplant those rough rug-headed kerns The uncivil kerns of Ireland are in arms. like a shag-hair'd crafty kern |
|
kickshaws |
trifle (Fr. quelque-choses) |
2 |
TN 1.3 |
Art thou good at these kickshawses, knight? |
|
knap |
strike smartly, snap, knock |
2 |
Lear 2.4 |
she knapped 'em o' the coxcombs |
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