I have started my first play, The Taming of the Shrew ... i have only read the first two scenes and i have already found a pub...
Note: i have also decided to count the pubs in the Bards work because:
a) i have a fondness for good English pubs
b) i work part time in a pub
and....
c) i want to know if Shakespeare was a big drinker.....Just call me Nancy Drew!
First Pub: Act1:Introduction:Scene1
Ale House Wincot
Ale Wench: Marian Hacket (she is only described as 'fat')
The first two scenes are an introduction to the play and from what i can gather don't have a lot to do with the main story line...a poor drunken man gets taken advantage of by a lord and the rest of the scenes steam roll through cross dressing, mistaken identify, pretending to cry, making people think they are dreaming, daughters of Goddesses, threats and onions!
'To rain a shower of commanded tears,
An onion will do well for such a shift,
Which, in a napkin being close convey'd,
Shall in despite enforce a watery eye.'
Hale The mighty ONION!
so...i have also decided to highlight every word i don't understand (note to self buy more highlighter pens!) and surprisingly i am not doing to bad...
Veriest : every body but
Haply : by accident/by luck
Semiramis : Daughter of Assyrian
Malady: Illness
Did you know if you write new words down you are more likely to remember them? i guess i am just trying to condone typing random words into this blog (don't judge me...please/thank you)...and please feel free to correct me if i have gotten the meanings wrong to any of the words...Its all about the learning folks!
thank you for reading
Peace Out
Sam
x
Great to see more literature-based blogs around! If you want pubs/taverns in Shakespeare, check out Henry IV Parts One and Two. Absolutely brilliant scenes with Falstaff and Prince Hal et al. And lots and lots of 'sack'.
ReplyDeleteLots of luck with the challenge! Will check back to see how you're faring.
Jude
(fellow RSC Key member and fellow blogger)
Hello Jude
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support and advice...maybe I will move on to Henry IV next.
Take care
Sam