Ben and David Crystal discuss the influence of Shakespearean phrases in everyday conversation. They explore lesser-known lines, their meanings, original pronunciation, and social representations in Shakespeare's works.
Shakespeare's words and phrases have become ingrained in everyday language, offering relatability and new perspectives to people.
Through the heteroglossic nature of his writing, Shakespeare provides vast wisdom and memorable speech that can be applied to our own lives.
Deep dives
The Power of Shakespeare in Everyday Conversations
Shakespeare's influence is evident in everyday conversations, with his words and phrases becoming part of our language and folklore. Ben and David Crystal have compiled a book titled 'Every Day Shakespeare Lines for Life' that highlights lesser-known lines from Shakespeare's plays. These quotes resonate with people and offer new perspectives. The book aims to bridge the gap between those who may have disliked Shakespeare in school and show that his works have relevance and meaning for everyone. By exploring original pronunciation, the Crystals have made Shakespeare accessible and relatable, allowing people to connect with the language and find their own interpretation.
The Wisdom and Humanity in Shakespeare's Works
Shakespeare's plays present profound psychological and philosophical ideas that still resonate today. His words hold a mirror up to humanity, showcasing our strengths and flaws. The plays cover a wide spectrum of emotions and situations, from love and loss to power dynamics and social issues. The Crystals discuss the heteroglossic nature of Shakespeare's writing, where characters speak in different voices, with poetry, prose, and song. Through this multi-voiced approach, Shakespeare gives us memorable speech and offers a vast array of wisdom that can be applied to our own lives.
The Relevance of Shakespeare's Quotes in Various Contexts
Shakespeare's lines have a lasting impact because they encapsulate universal experiences and emotions. They help us put our feelings into words when we struggle to express ourselves. Examples like 'there is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so' and 'time in the hour runs through the roughest day' show Shakespeare's astute understanding of the human condition. These quotes address themes such as perception, time, and the nature of reality. They provide language for moments of desperation, separation, and grief. By using Shakespeare's words, we tap into a rich tradition of introspection and self-expression.
Michael Rosen talks to Ben and David Crystal about the Shakespeare quotes we use every day, without even realising.
We’ve all heard someone roll their eyes and say “the lady doth protest too much, me thinks” - or head back to their desk muttering “once more unto the breach!” Shakespeare had a way with words that makes his writing extremely relatable, even today. Ben and David Crystal tell Michael why so many of the bard’s sayings have slipped into our everyday chat.
Producer: Alice McKee, BBC Audio Bristol
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