English
Shakespeare basics.
Definition
Foundational knowledge about William Shakespeare's life, language, and literary works. This includes understanding Elizabethan English conventions like 'thou' and 'thee,' recognizing iambic pentameter, and knowing the major plays and sonnets commonly studied in high school.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Iambic pentameter: 'But SOFT, what LIGHT through YONder WINdow BREAKS'
- 2 Common Shakespearean words: 'wherefore' means 'why,' not 'where'
- 3 The three categories of his plays: comedies, tragedies, and histories