Understanding adjectives in Shakespearean English can unlock deeper insights into his plays and poems. Shakespeare’s masterful use of language, including his distinctive adjective choices, adds layers of meaning and vivid imagery to his works.
This article explores the nuances of Shakespearean adjectives, their forms, functions, and significance. Whether you’re a student, a Shakespeare enthusiast, or simply interested in the evolution of the English language, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of adjectives as used by the Bard.
By exploring these specific linguistic choices, we can better appreciate the richness and complexity of Shakespeare’s dramatic and poetic vision. This knowledge will improve your understanding of Shakespeare’s works, as well as strengthen your grasp of English grammar and literature more generally.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Adjectives in Shakespearean English
- Structural Breakdown of Shakespearean Adjectives
- Types and Categories of Shakespearean Adjectives
- Examples of Adjectives in Shakespeare’s Works
- Usage Rules for Shakespearean Adjectives
- Common Mistakes with Shakespearean Adjectives
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Shakespearean Adjectives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Adjectives in Shakespearean English
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes. In Shakespearean English, adjectives function similarly to modern English, but with some notable differences in form and usage.
These differences often reflect the linguistic norms of the Early Modern English period.
Adjectives in Shakespearean English serve to enrich the text by giving readers a more vivid and detailed picture of the characters, settings, and events described. They help to convey emotions, establish tone, and create imagery that resonates with the audience.
They add depth and complexity to Shakespeare’s writing, making it both beautiful and meaningful. The function of adjectives is to add description, detail, and color to the nouns they modify.
The context in which an adjective is used can significantly alter its meaning and impact. For example, an adjective used to describe a character’s physical appearance may also reveal something about their personality or social status.
The study of adjectives in Shakespearean English not only enhances our understanding of the language but also provides valuable insights into the cultural and social values of the time.
Structural Breakdown of Shakespearean Adjectives
The structural elements of Shakespearean adjectives are generally similar to modern English, but some key differences exist. One notable feature is the use of archaic suffixes and prefixes that are no longer common in contemporary English.
Understanding these structural variations can help readers better interpret Shakespeare’s language.
Adjectives in Shakespeare’s time could be formed from nouns or verbs through the addition of suffixes such as “-ful,” “-less,” “-able,” or “-ed.” For instance, the word “fruitful” is derived from the noun “fruit” and the suffix “-ful,” meaning “full of fruit” or “productive.” Similarly, “blessed” is derived from the verb “to bless.”
Prefixes: Common prefixes include “un-,” “in-,” and “dis-,” which often indicate negation or opposition. For example, “unkind” means “not kind,” and “dishonest” means “not honest.”
Suffixes: Suffixes such as “-ed,” “-ing,” “-able,” “-ful,” and “-less” are used to form adjectives from verbs or nouns. “Blessed” (from “to bless”), “loving” (from “to love”), “readable” (from “to read”), “fruitful” (from “fruit”), and “fearless” (from “fear”) are all examples of this.
Compounding: Shakespeare frequently used compound adjectives, which are formed by combining two or more words. These compound adjectives can add nuance and specificity to his descriptions. An example is “blood-stained,” which vividly describes something covered in blood.
Types and Categories of Shakespearean Adjectives
Adjectives can be categorized based on their function and the type of information they provide. Here’s an overview of the primary types of adjectives found in Shakespearean English:
Descriptive Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives, also known as qualitative adjectives, describe the qualities or characteristics of a noun. They answer the question “What kind?” or “Which?” These are among the most common types of adjectives used by Shakespeare to bring his characters and settings to life.
Examples include: fair, foul, brave, noble, gentle, cruel, wise, foolish, beautiful, and hideous. These adjectives help to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Quantitative Adjectives
Quantitative adjectives indicate the quantity or amount of a noun. They answer the question “How much?” or “How many?” These adjectives are crucial for specifying amounts in Shakespeare’s plays and poems.
Examples include: some, many, few, all, none, several, much, and little. These adjectives help to provide a sense of scale or proportion.
Demonstrative Adjectives
Demonstrative adjectives point out specific nouns. They include words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” They specify which particular noun is being referred to.
Examples include: this man, that woman, these books, and those stars. These adjectives help to clarify which specific entity is being discussed.
Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives indicate ownership or possession. They include words like “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” and “their.” These adjectives show who or what owns something.
Examples include: my sword, your love, his crown, her beauty, its shadow, our kingdom, and their fate. These adjectives help to establish relationships and ownership.
Interrogative Adjectives
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions about nouns. They include words like “which” and “what” when they modify a noun.
These adjectives help to frame questions related to specific nouns.
Examples include: Which way? What news?
These adjectives are used to inquire about specific nouns.
Attributive Adjectives
Attributive adjectives are placed directly before the noun they modify. This is the most common placement for adjectives in English and Shakespearean English.
Examples include: a brave soldier, a fair maiden, a stormy night. In these examples, the adjectives directly precede and modify the nouns.
Predicative Adjectives
Predicative adjectives follow a linking verb (such as “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “seems,” “becomes”) and describe the subject of the sentence. They are part of the predicate and provide information about the subject.
Examples include: The night is dark. She seems sad. He was brave. In these examples, the adjectives follow the linking verbs and describe the subjects.
Absolute Adjectives
Absolute adjectives describe nouns in their most extreme or complete form. These adjectives often imply a state that cannot be compared or intensified.
Examples include: dead, perfect, infinite, unique. These adjectives represent states that are considered ultimate or incomparable.
Examples of Adjectives in Shakespeare’s Works
Shakespeare’s works are rich with examples of adjectives used in various contexts. Here are several examples, categorized by the type of adjective, to illustrate their usage.
The following tables provide extensive examples of adjectives used in Shakespeare’s works, categorized by type. Each table contains between 20-30 examples to provide a comprehensive overview of their usage.
Table 1: Descriptive Adjectives in Shakespeare
This table showcases how Shakespeare uses descriptive adjectives to paint vivid pictures of characters, settings, and emotions in his plays.
| Example | Play/Poem | Context |
|---|---|---|
| “A brave new world” | The Tempest | Describing a promising future. |
| “The fair Ophelia” | Hamlet | Describing Ophelia’s beauty and innocence. |
| “A foul and pestilent congregation of vapours” | Hamlet | Describing a diseased atmosphere. |
| “A noble heart” | Julius Caesar | Describing a person of high moral character. |
| “The gentle Desdemona” | Othello | Describing Desdemona’s kind nature. |
| “A cruel tyrant” | Richard III | Describing a ruthless ruler. |
| “The wise King Lear” | King Lear | Describing Lear’s initial state of wisdom. |
| “A foolish old man” | King Lear | Describing Lear’s descent into madness. |
| “Her beautiful eyes” | Romeo and Juliet | Describing Juliet’s physical attractiveness. |
| “A hideous monster” | The Tempest | Describing Caliban’s appearance. |
| “The bloody business” | Macbeth | Describing the violent acts committed by Macbeth. |
| “A sleepless pillow” | Macbeth | Describing the anxiety-ridden nights of Macbeth. |
| “The fruitful earth” | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Describing the earth’s abundance and fertility. |
| “A barren moor” | King Lear | Describing a desolate landscape. |
| “The melancholy Jaques” | As You Like It | Describing Jaques’s disposition. |
| “A merry war” | Much Ado About Nothing | Describing a light-hearted conflict. |
| “The silent grave” | Hamlet | Describing the stillness of death. |
| “A golden age” | Othello | Describing a time of prosperity and peace. |
| “The silver moon” | Romeo and Juliet | Describing the moon’s radiant glow. |
| “A wooden leg” | Henry IV, Part 1 | Describing Falstaff’s comical attribute. |
| “The bitter cold” | King Lear | Describing the harsh weather conditions. |
| “A sweet revenge” | Hamlet | Describing a satisfying retribution. |
| “The twisted tale” | Othello | Describing Iago’s manipulative narrative. |
| “A wicked deed” | Macbeth | Describing an evil action. |
Table 2: Quantitative Adjectives in Shakespeare
This table illustrates how Shakespeare uses quantitative adjectives to specify amounts and quantities, providing a sense of scale and proportion.
| Example | Play/Poem | Context |
|---|---|---|
| “Some glory in their birth” | Sonnet 29 | Indicating a portion of people. |
| “Many a morning hath he there been seen” | Romeo and Juliet | Indicating a large number of mornings. |
| “Few hearts that she has not subdued” | Much Ado About Nothing | Indicating a small number of hearts. |
| “All the world’s a stage” | As You Like It | Indicating the entirety of the world. |
| “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth” | Macbeth | Indicating no one born of a woman. |
| “Several of both kinds” | The Tempest | Indicating a number of both types. |
| “Much ado about nothing” | Much Ado About Nothing | Indicating a great deal of fuss. |
| “Little more than kin, and less than kind” | Hamlet | Indicating a small degree of relation. |
| “A number of friends” | Julius Caesar | Indicating a group of friends. |
| “Enough is as good as a feast” | Henry IV, Part 1 | Indicating a sufficient amount. |
| “Half a dozen” | The Merry Wives of Windsor | Indicating six items. |
| “More than I can report” | Othello | Indicating a greater quantity. |
| “Less than meets the eye” | King Lear | Indicating a smaller amount than apparent. |
| “A score of times” | Hamlet | Indicating twenty times. |
| “Double, double toil and trouble” | Macbeth | Indicating twice the amount. |
| “Triple Hecate’s team” | Macbeth | Indicating a three-part team. |
| “Many years ago” | The Tempest | Indicating a large span of time. |
| “Few words are best” | Henry V | Indicating that brevity is preferred. |
| “Several ways to die” | Richard III | Indicating multiple methods of demise. |
| “Some are born great” | Twelfth Night | Indicating a portion of people destined for greatness. |
| “Much of your conversation” | Hamlet | Indicating a significant part of the discussion. |
| “Little cause for joy” | Romeo and Juliet | Indicating minimal reason to celebrate. |
| “Enough to make one mad” | King Lear | Indicating sufficient cause for insanity. |
Table 3: Demonstrative Adjectives in Shakespeare
This table shows how Shakespeare employs demonstrative adjectives to point out specific nouns, providing clarity and focus in his descriptions.
| Example | Play/Poem | Context |
|---|---|---|
| “This goodly frame, the earth” | Hamlet | Referring to the earth. |
| “That fair for which love groaned for” | Sonnet 91 | Referring to a specific beauty. |
| “These griefs and losses have of late so hampered me” | Hamlet | Referring to recent sorrows. |
| “Those eyes, the break of day” | Romeo and Juliet | Referring to specific eyes. |
| “This is the forest of Arden” | As You Like It | Identifying a specific location. |
| “That way madness lies” | King Lear | Indicating a path toward insanity. |
| “These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing” | Julius Caesar | Referring to specific ambitions. |
| “Those hours, that with gentle work did frame” | Sonnet 5 | Referring to past times. |
| “This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood” | The Merchant of Venice | Referring to a specific legal agreement. |
| “That skull had a tongue in it” | Hamlet | Referring to a particular skull. |
| “These are their reasons: They are natural” | King Lear | Referring to specific justifications. |
| “Those that do teach young babes” | Othello | Referring to specific educators. |
| “This heavy-headed revel east and west” | Hamlet | Referring to a specific celebration. |
| “That I did love the Moor to live with him” | Othello | Referring to a past affection. |
| “These violent delights have violent ends” | Romeo and Juliet | Referring to specific pleasures. |
| “Those wounds of thine shall be my schoolmasters” | Richard III | Referring to specific injuries. |
| “This is my daughter’s jointure” | The Taming of the Shrew | Referring to a specific dowry. |
| “That memory of this death” | Hamlet | Referring to the remembrance of a loss. |
| “These external manners of laments” | Richard II | Referring to outward displays of sorrow. |
| “Those prophetical rhymers” | Henry V | Referring to specific poets. |
Usage Rules for Shakespearean Adjectives
While the basic function of adjectives remains consistent, certain usage rules in Shakespearean English differ from modern English. These differences are primarily related to word order, comparative and superlative forms, and archaic forms.
Adjective Order
In modern English, there is a general order for multiple adjectives preceding a noun (e.g., opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, purpose). While Shakespeare often followed similar conventions, he sometimes deviated from this order for emphasis or poetic effect.
For example, he might place an adjective out of order to highlight its importance or to create a specific rhythm.
For instance, instead of saying “a beautiful old house,” Shakespeare might write “an old beautiful house” to emphasize the age of the house or for artistic reasons.
Comparative and Superlative Forms
Shakespeare used both synthetic (adding “-er” and “-est”) and analytic (using “more” and “most”) forms for comparative and superlative adjectives. While modern English generally prefers analytic forms for longer adjectives, Shakespeare often used synthetic forms regardless of length.
For example, he might write “beautifuller” instead of “more beautiful.”
He also used double comparatives and superlatives, such as “more kinder” or “most unkindest,” which are no longer considered grammatically correct but were common in Early Modern English.
Archaic Adjective Forms
Some adjectives in Shakespearean English have forms that are no longer in use. These archaic forms can present a challenge to modern readers, but understanding them can enhance comprehension of the text.
For example, “eftest” means “quickest” or “most readily.”
In addition, some adjectives had different meanings in Shakespeare’s time. For example, “silly” originally meant “innocent” or “harmless,” rather than “foolish.”
Common Mistakes with Shakespearean Adjectives
Several common mistakes can arise when interpreting and using adjectives in a Shakespearean context. These mistakes often stem from applying modern English grammar rules to Early Modern English, leading to misinterpretations or incorrect usage.
Incorrect: “The most beautifullest lady.”
Correct: “The most beautiful lady” or “The beautifullest lady.”
Explanation: Avoid double superlatives. Choose either “most” or “-est,” but not both.
Incorrect: “A house old beautiful.”
Correct: “A beautiful old house.”
Explanation: While Shakespeare sometimes varied adjective order for emphasis, modern readers should generally adhere to standard English adjective order.
Incorrect: “He is more kinder.”
Correct: “He is kinder.”
Explanation: Avoid double comparatives. Use either “more” or “-er,” but not both.
Incorrect: Assuming “silly” means “foolish” in all contexts.
Correct: Understanding that “silly” can mean “innocent” or “harmless” in some Shakespearean contexts.
Explanation: Be aware of archaic meanings that differ from modern usage.
Incorrect: “A gooder man.”
Correct: “A better man.”
Explanation: Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms that must be memorized.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of Shakespearean adjectives with these practice exercises. Each exercise includes 10 questions and answers to help you assess your knowledge.
Exercise 1: Identifying Adjective Types
Identify the type of adjective used in each sentence (descriptive, quantitative, demonstrative, possessive).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. “This royal throne of kings, this scepter’d isle…” | Demonstrative |
| 2. “A little more than kin, and less than kind.” | Quantitative |
| 3. “My bounty is as boundless as the sea.” | Possessive |
| 4. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” | Descriptive |
| 5. “These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing.” | Demonstrative |
| 6. “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.” | Quantitative |
| 7. “Her beauty hangs upon the cheek of night.” | Possessive |
| 8. “A brave new world, that has such people in’t.” | Descriptive |
| 9. “That I did love the Moor to live with him.” | Demonstrative |
| 10. “Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage.” | Quantitative |
Exercise 2: Correcting Adjective Usage
Correct the adjective usage in the following sentences, based on Shakespearean English conventions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. “She is the most beautifullest woman.” | She is the most beautiful woman. |
| 2. “He is more kinder than his brother.” | He is kinder than his brother. |
| 3. “A man wise and old.” | A wise and old man. |
| 4. “The weather is more cold.” | The weather is colder. |
| 5. “That was a deed badder than this.” | That was a worse deed than this. |
| 6. “This tale is more longer than the other.” | This tale is longer than the other. |
| 7. “She appears sadder more than usual.” | She appears sadder than usual. |
| 8. “He is the most tallest of them all.” | He is the tallest of them all. |
| 9. “A flower beautiful red.” | A beautiful red flower. |
| 10. “The play was interesting more than I expected.” | The play was more interesting than I expected. |
Advanced Topics in Shakespearean Adjectives
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of adjective placement and their role in figurative language can provide deeper insights into Shakespeare’s artistry.
Adjective Placement for Emphasis
Shakespeare often manipulated adjective placement to create emphasis or highlight specific qualities. By placing an adjective after the noun it modifies (a technique known as postpositive adjective usage), he could draw attention to that particular attribute.
This technique is less common in modern English but was used effectively by Shakespeare for dramatic effect.
For example, instead of writing “a valiant soldier,” Shakespeare might write “a soldier valiant,” placing emphasis on the soldier’s valor.
Adjectives in Figurative Language
Adjectives play a crucial role in creating figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification. Shakespeare masterfully used adjectives to create vivid and imaginative comparisons, enriching his language and conveying deeper meanings.
For example, he might use adjectives to personify abstract concepts or to compare seemingly unrelated objects.
For instance, in the line “the world’s a stage,” the adjective “world’s” helps to establish a metaphorical comparison between the world and a stage, suggesting that life is a performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about adjectives in Shakespearean English, along with detailed answers to help clarify common points of confusion.
Q1: How are adjectives in Shakespearean English different from modern English?
A1: While adjectives function similarly in both, Shakespearean English exhibits differences in word order, comparative/superlative forms (using both synthetic and analytic forms, and sometimes double comparatives/superlatives), and the presence of archaic forms and meanings that are no longer in use today. Also, Shakespeare sometimes deviated from the standard adjective order for emphasis or poetic effect.
Q2: What are some common archaic adjective forms found in Shakespeare’s works?
A2: Examples include “eftest” (meaning quickest), and different meanings for words like “silly” (meaning innocent or harmless). Recognizing these archaic forms and meanings is key to accurately interpreting Shakespeare’s text.
Q3: Why does Shakespeare sometimes use double comparatives or superlatives?
A3: Double comparatives and superlatives (e.g., “more kinder,” “most unkindest”) were common in Early Modern English, though they are considered grammatically incorrect today. Shakespeare used them for emphasis or to fit the rhythm of his verse.
Q4: How does adjective placement affect the meaning or emphasis in Shakespeare’s writing?
A4: Shakespeare sometimes placed adjectives after the noun they modify (postpositive adjective usage) to draw attention to that particular attribute. This technique, though less common in modern English, was used for dramatic effect.
Q5: Can you provide an example of an adjective used in figurative language in Shakespeare?
A5: In the line “the world’s a stage,” the adjective “world’s” helps create a metaphorical comparison between the world and a stage, suggesting life is a performance. Adjectives often play a crucial role in creating vivid and imaginative comparisons in Shakespeare’s works.
Q6: How can I improve my understanding of adjectives in Shakespearean English?
A6: Read Shakespeare’s works closely, paying attention to the adjectives he uses and how they modify the nouns. Consult glossaries and annotations to understand archaic forms and meanings.
Practice identifying different types of adjectives and analyzing their function in context. Familiarizing yourself with the conventions of Early Modern English grammar will also be beneficial.
Q7: What is the significance of adjectives in understanding Shakespeare’s characters?
A7: Adjectives are crucial for understanding Shakespeare’s characters, as they often reveal key aspects of their personality, appearance, and social status. By analyzing the adjectives used to describe a character, readers can gain deeper insights into their motivations, relationships, and overall role in the play.
Q8: Are there any specific resources you recommend for studying Shakespearean adjectives?
A8: Yes, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is an excellent resource for tracing the historical usage of words, including adjectives. Additionally, annotated editions of Shakespeare’s plays often provide detailed explanations of archaic language and grammatical structures.
Online Shakespeare resources and academic articles can also be helpful.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of adjectives in Shakespearean English unlocks a richer understanding of the Bard’s literary genius. By understanding the structural elements, types, and usage rules of these descriptive words, readers can appreciate the nuances and depth of Shakespeare’s language.
This knowledge not only enhances comprehension of his plays and poems but also provides a valuable insight into the linguistic landscape of the Early Modern English period.
Remember to pay special attention to archaic forms, varied word order, and the use of comparatives and superlatives. By diligently studying and practicing, you can navigate the complexities of Shakespearean adjectives and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of his writing.
Continue to explore Shakespeare’s works with a keen eye for detail, and you’ll find that the more you learn, the more rewarding the experience becomes. Happy reading!