Thursday, May 15, 2008

Just More Evidence of How Shakespeare Still Delights His Audiences Today

Out loud reading in a high school classroom is an interesting study in historical linguistics. Two cases in point:
1. Twelfth Night Act II, Scene iii
SIR ANDREW
An you love me, let's do't... *cue general hilarity
I had forgotten the power that the words "do" and "it" have together for a young crowd.
2. Hamlet Act I, Scene i
FRANCISCO
I think I hear them. Stand, ho!
*cue uproarious laughter
...a little later in the same scene...
MARCELLUS
Holla! Bernardo!

Maybe a hip hop Shakespeare isn't such a far stretch.
Of course, my students are silent during the actual jokes.

1 comment:

Smiths said...

Now I know why you're so hip and in tune with the teenagers. Thanks Shakespeare!