Shakespeare's Common Language

Shakespeares Common Language reveals the expressive force of Shakespeares common words by employing language criticism methods, such as discourse analysis, pragmatics, and grammar, to analyze language change in his plays.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare's language in his plays has been a subject of intense study and analysis for centuries. Developments in contemporary linguistics and language theory have shed new light on the rich and complex nature of his language. In his book "Shakespeare's Common Language," Professor David Crystal explores how methods borrowed from language criticism can reveal the surprising expressive force of Shakespeare's common words.

The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different approach based in language theory. These chapters include analyses of language change in "Coriolanus," discourse analysis in "Troilus and Cressida," pragmatics in "Richard II," and various aspects of grammar in "As You Like It." By mapping the tools of linguistics and language theory onto the study of literature, Crystal offers a fresh approach to reading dramatic language.

One of the key insights of "Shakespeare's Common Language" is that Shakespeare's language is not static or fixed but constantly evolving. He was a master of wordplay and metaphor, and his use of language was influenced by the changing social and cultural contexts of his time. Crystal demonstrates how Shakespeare's language changed over time, from the more formal and rhetorical style of his early plays to the more informal and colloquial style of his later works.

Another important aspect of "Shakespeare's Common Language" is its focus on dialogue. Crystal argues that dialogue is a crucial component of Shakespeare's plays, and that it is a rich source of linguistic and stylistic information. He provides finely-grained close readings of dialogue, demonstrating how Shakespeare's use of language creates characters, establishes relationships, and drives the plot.

Through his analysis of dialogue, Crystal reveals the complex interplay of language and power in Shakespeare's plays. He shows how Shakespeare's language can be used to manipulate and control the audience, to convey emotions and ideas, and to create a sense of realism and authenticity. Crystal also explores how Shakespeare's language reflects the social and political tensions of his time, particularly the conflicts between different classes, genders, and cultures.

In conclusion, "Shakespeare's Common Language" is a valuable contribution to the study of Shakespeare's language and literature. By employing methods borrowed from language criticism, Crystal offers a fresh and insightful approach to reading dramatic language. The book demonstrates the rich and complex nature of Shakespeare's language, and its ability to convey emotions, ideas, and power in a way that is still relevant to contemporary audiences.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350235977