The History of English Podcast

In the first couple of years of the 1600s, several new Shakespeare plays appeared. Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It were recorded in the Stationer’s Register, and a third play called The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark was likely performed on the stage for the first time. In this episode, we’ll look at those plays and examine how they influenced the English language. We also explore the creation of the East India Company in 1600 and the Essex Rebellion of 1601. Works discussed in this episode include:Much Ado About Nothing – William ShakespeareAs You Like It – William ShakespeareThe Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark – William Shakespeare TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 178

Exploring clothing and fashion in Elizabethan era, Shakespeare's plays about Julius Caesar and Henry V, evolution of clothing terms in theater, linguistic influences on culture and fashion, origins of footwear-related terminology, events surrounding Julius Caesar's assassination, evolution of fabric names and language

Explore the vibrant world of Elizabethan theaters and their impact on the English language as Kevin delves into Shakespeare's iconic works. Discover how cultural exchanges added new words, from 'cash' to 'curry.' Learn about the fascinating rise of permanent playhouses in London and the remarkable discoveries at the Rose Theatre. Unpack the comedy and intrigue of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and the historical significance of phrases like 'The world is my oyster.' This journey connects global influences with the evolution of English.

Exploring the linguistic nuances and pronunciation changes in Shakespeare's works, highlighting the evolution of terms and sounds in Early Modern English. Delving into the historical evolution of English pronunciation, tracing the disappearance of hard 'g' sounds and the development of the ING sound. Analyzing Shakespeare's linguistic techniques in Romeo and Juliet, focusing on syntax, word order, and Juliet's contemplation on names. Exploring the evolution of vowel sounds in Elizabethan English, impacting words like 'bob' and 'cough, and hinting at the emergence of a distinct American accent.

Delving into English spelling history in the late 1500s through Shakespearean plays. Exploring the origin of phrases like 'fight fire with fire' and the evolution of silent letters. Uncovering the dark legacy of Thomas Derek and notable events in 1596. Examining Shakespeare's compositions and the themes of love and confusion in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Exploring the development of English comedy in the early modern era, focusing on Shakespeare's comedies and the influence of Italian drama. Delving into the evolution of language through Shakespeare's plays and the impact of comedic terms like clown and buffoon. Discussing the portrayal of Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice' and the evolution of plot twists in Shakespearean plays.

Explore the succession conflict in France during the 1500s and its influence on Shakespeare's plays. Discover the linguistic changes in the pronunciation of words like 'succession' and the shift in consonant sounds. Delve into the comedic confusion and mistaken identity in 'The Comedy of Errors' and the mix-up of love letters in 'Succession'. Learn about the origins and context of 'Richard III' and its portrayal of succession.

Expert in the Elizabethan theater and Shakespeare's original language, Ben Crystal, joins the discussion to provide insight into the challenges of understanding Shakespeare's language. They explore the flexibility of Shakespeare's language, difficulties in grammar and pronunciation, and the recreation of Shakespearean accents. They also discuss the accessibility and resonance of Shakespeare's quotes in everyday conversation and debunk misconceptions about his works.

This podcast explores the connection between the plague outbreak and Shakespeare's poetry, the impact of the plague on London's acting companies, Shakespeare's connection to printer Richard Field, the influence of George Putnam's The Art of English Pozy on Shakespeare's poetic style, the emergence of standard English for poetry, the concept of reduplication in poetry, and the structure and origins of English poetry.

Explore the life of William Shakespeare and separate fact from fiction. Topics include his first reference in London, controversy surrounding his marriage, mysterious years as a playwright, establishment of the Globe Theatre, publication of his plays and sonnets, false advertising and legal disputes, and details of his last will and testament.