Detailed Summary of "The History of English Podcast"

Title: The History of English Podcast
Host/Author: Kevin Stroud
Episode: 178: Much Ado About Hamlet
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Description: Exploring the spoken history of the English language through Shakespeare's influential plays and their lasting impact.

Introduction

In Episode 178, Kevin Stroud delves into the early 1600s, focusing on Shakespeare's significant contributions to the English language through his plays, particularly "Much Ado About Nothing," "As You Like It," and the monumental "Hamlet." Stroud examines how these works have ingrained numerous words, phrases, and idioms into everyday English, often unbeknownst to modern speakers.

Much Ado About Nothing

Summary and Language Impact: "Much Ado About Nothing," set in Messina, Sicily, revolves around the romantic entanglements of Claudio and Hero, thwarted by the deceit of Don John. The play introduces Dogberry, a constable whose frequent malapropisms add comedic flair and have been a point of interest for language historians.

Notable Phrases and Words:

• "Much Ado About Nothing": Although not coined by Shakespeare, the play's title popularized its usage.
• "Ado": Rarely used outside of this phrase today.
• "Unmitigated": First recorded in this play.
• "Candle waster": An archaic term that hasn't endured.
• Early Uses of "Employer" and "Negotiate": Though not the first instances, their appearances are notable.

Notable Quotes:

• Dogberry’s Malapropisms:
  • [15:30] A: "You shall comprehend all vagran men," intended to mean "apprehend all vagrant men."
  • [16:45] A: "Be vigilant" instead of the correct term.

As You Like It

Summary and Language Impact: "As You Like It" is celebrated as one of Shakespeare's most joyous comedies, set in the pastoral Forest of Arden. The narrative follows Rosalind and Celia's escape to the forest, weaving themes of love, identity, and transformation.

Notable Phrases and Words:

• "Have seen better days": Used by Duke Senior, likely popularized by Shakespeare.
• "Lackluster": Possibly coined by Shakespeare, combining "lack" with "lustre."
• Cross-Dressing Themes: Reflecting societal norms and adding layers to character interactions.
• "Too much of a good thing": First recorded in this play.

Notable Quotes:

• [22:10] A: "True it is that we have seen better days."
• [35:50] A: "To have seen better days is a phrase often associated with Shakespeare."

Hamlet: The Masterpiece

Overview: "Hamlet," the longest of Shakespeare's plays, is unparalleled in its influence on the English language. Stroud provides a comprehensive plot overview, highlighting key scenes and their linguistic contributions.

Plot Summary: The tragedy unfolds in Elsinore Castle, Denmark, where Prince Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder by his uncle, King Claudius. Complex relationships, feigned madness, and dramatic confrontations drive the narrative to its tragic conclusion.

Notable Phrases and Words:

• "To be or not to be": The most famous soliloquy questioning existence.
• "Frailty, thy name is woman": Reflecting Hamlet's disillusionment.
• "In my mind's eye": Popularized by Hamlet despite earlier uses.
• "More in sorrow than in anger": Describing uncontrollable emotions.
• "Brevity is the soul of wit": Ironically delivered by the verbose Polonius.
• "Method in thy madness": Suggesting purposeful chaos.
• "Good night, sweet prince": A poignant farewell.
• "To be hoist with his own petard": Meaning one's plan backfires.
• "Lackluster": Continuing its presence in modern language.
• "To make your hair stand on end": Illustrating fear or shock.
• "The lady doth protest too much": Indicating insincerity.
• "In the manner born": Evolving into "to the manor born."

Notable Quotes:

• [30:15] A: "Frailty, thy name is woman."
• [42:50] A: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
• [50:05] B: "Here it is to be or not to be..."
• [56:01] B: "To be or not to be. That is the question..."
• [57:24] A: "There's the rub."
• [60:30] A: "What a piece of work is a man."

Historical Context and its Influence

Stationer's Register and Play Publication: The registration of plays like "Much Ado About Nothing" and "As You Like It" in the Stationer's Register in August 1600 provides crucial evidence for their existence and composition dates. This registry was vital for controlling publishing rights and remains a valuable resource for scholars.

East India Company Formation: In the same period, the formation of the East India Company marked a significant expansion of English influence globally. The company's creation, under royal charter on December 31, 1600, facilitated English trade with the East Indies, leading to cultural and linguistic exchanges that would shape the English language's future.

Earl of Essex's Plot: The episode intertwines the literary developments with contemporary historical events, such as the failed rebellion led by Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. Influences of these events are evident in Shakespeare's works, particularly in plays like "Henry V" and "Richard II," highlighting the interplay between politics and literature.

Notable Quotes:

• [25:40] A: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
• [57:24] A: "There's the rub."
• [60:30] A: "What a piece of work is a man."

Impact on the English Language

Shakespeare's plays from the early 1600s introduced a plethora of expressions that persist in modern English. Words like "eventful" and "besmirch," as well as phrases such as "to be or not to be," "brevity is the soul of wit," and "method in thy madness," originated or were popularized in these works. "Hamlet," in particular, stands out for its extensive contribution to the vernacular, embedding countless idioms and nuanced expressions that enrich contemporary speech.

Notable Phrases from "Hamlet":

• "To be or not to be": Philosophical contemplation on existence.
• "Brevity is the soul of wit": Advocating for concise expression.
• "Method in thy madness": Recognizing underlying purpose in chaos.
• "Good night, sweet prince": A tender farewell.
• "To hoist with his own petard": Describing plans that backfire.
• "In my mind's eye": Referring to imagination.
• "Frailty, thy name is woman": Expressing disillusionment with femininity.
• "What a piece of work is a man": Reflecting on human nature.
• "To the manner born": Phrases evolving into modern interpretations.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Kevin Stroud concludes the episode by emphasizing "Hamlet's" unparalleled influence on the English language and its enduring popularity in global theater. He notes the play's international reach, citing its performance on an English East India Company ship in 1607 near Sierra Leone, illustrating the rapid spread of English and Shakespearean drama worldwide.

Upcoming Topics:

• The spread of English to the western world.
• The final days of Queen Elizabeth I.
• The publication of the first official English dictionary.

Stroud invites listeners to continue exploring the rich tapestry of English history and its linguistic evolution in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:09] A: "Welcome to the History of English Podcast..."
• [15:30] A: "You shall comprehend all vagran men..."
• [35:50] A: "To have seen better days is a phrase often associated with Shakespeare."
• [42:50] A: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
• [50:05] B: "Here it is to be or not to be..."
• [56:01] B: "To be or not to be. That is the question..."
• [57:24] A: "There's the rub."
• [60:30] A: "What a piece of work is a man."
• [65:45] A: "Good night, sweet prince."

Insights and Conclusions:

• Shakespeare's Linguistic Legacy: His plays are foundational to the English language, introducing and popularizing numerous expressions and words still in use today.

• Interconnection of Literature and History: The episode illustrates how Shakespeare's works were influenced by and, in turn, influenced historical events and societal norms.

• Global Dissemination of English: The early 1600s marked the beginning of English's expansion beyond Europe, facilitated by institutions like the East India Company and cultural exports like Shakespearean drama.

• Enduring Relevance of "Hamlet": As a masterpiece, "Hamlet" not only serves as a critical study in literature but also as a mirror reflecting the linguistic and cultural shifts of its time.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 178 of "The History of English Podcast" offers an exhaustive exploration of Shakespeare's early 1600s plays and their profound impact on the English language. Through meticulous analysis and engaging storytelling, Kevin Stroud underscores the timeless nature of Shakespeare's work and its integral role in shaping modern English.