Background
A man whose life is shrouded in obscurity, William Shakespeare is known worldwide for his mastery of the English language. While there are few specific details about Shakespeare's life, most of his plays and poetry has survived to this day, still entertaining audiences thanks to Shakespeare's profound observations of the human condition.
Our class this spring semester (of 2013) read King Lear, one of Shakespeare's tragedies. Possibly the most tragic play Shakespeare has ever written, King Lear tells the tale of an elderly king's fall into madness.
Our class this spring semester (of 2013) read King Lear, one of Shakespeare's tragedies. Possibly the most tragic play Shakespeare has ever written, King Lear tells the tale of an elderly king's fall into madness.
Shakespeare Past and Present (An excerpt from King Lear)
Original TextFool
(3.2.77-92) This is a brave night to cool a courtezan. I'll speak a prophecy ere I go: When priests are more in word than matter; When brewers mar their malt with water; When nobles are their tailors' tutors; No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors; When every case in law is right; No squire in debt, nor no poor knight; When slanders do not live in tongues; Nor cutpurses come not to throngs; When usurers tell their gold i' the field; And bawds and whores do churches build; Then shall the realm of Albion Come to great confusion: Then comes the time, who lives to see't, That going shall be used with feet. This prophecy Merlin shall make; for I live before his time. |
Modern VersionFool
Some night to gratify a frou-frou prostitute. I'll make a prediction before I vamoose: When priests are all bark with no bite; When brewers thin out their beer with water; When tailors are taught by nobles how to do their job; When lovers burn from STDs instead of a heretic at the stake; When true justice actually prevails When no one owes any money; When cons disappear; And pickpockets stop terrorizing baseball stadiums; When CEOs tell the world about their income; When churches are built by pimps and their many girlfriends; Then England will indeed be doomed; And whoever sees it will be stuck with only their feet to walk with. Merlin the wizard will predic; at least a long time from now, Cause he's after my time. |