The History of English Podcast: Episode 179 - Defining Moments
Host: Kevin Stroud
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Title: Defining Moments
Introduction
In Episode 179: Defining Moments of The History of English Podcast, host Kevin Stroud delves into several pivotal events from the early 1600s that not only shaped English history but also had profound impacts on the evolution of the English language. Spanning from the end of the Elizabethan era to the publication of the first English-English dictionary, this episode unpacks moments that served as turning points in linguistic and cultural development.
Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Linguistic Insights
Timestamp: [00:10] - [15:30]
The episode opens with a discussion on William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, marking its first recorded performance on February 2, 1602. Stroud outlines the play's themes of love, identity, and social status through its intricate plot involving Duke Orsino, the wealthy noblewoman Olivia, and the shipwrecked Viola, who disguises herself as a man.
One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted is Shakespeare's use of pronouns—specifically "thou," "thee," and "thy." These pronouns were on the decline in everyday speech but remained prevalent in literary works. Stroud notes:
"The letter says, if this fall into thy hand, revolve in my stars. I am above thee. But be not afraid of greatness."
—Twelfth Night, [10:45]
This passage not only reflects the period's social hierarchies but also showcases the linguistic transition from older pronouns to the more universally applied "you."
The Evolution of Pronouns: From "Thou" to "You"
Timestamp: [15:30] - [30:00]
Stroud elaborates on the linguistic shift occurring during this era, where "you" began supplanting "thou" as the standard second-person pronoun. He explains that while "thou" was traditionally used for singular, intimate, or lower-status individuals, "you" was initially plural but became a singular form to avoid social faux pas.
A notable quote from Twelfth Night exemplifies this shift:
"My purpose is indeed a horse of that color."
—Maria, [12:50]
Here, Maria's use of the phrase "a horse of that color" represents one of the earliest known instances of the idiom, originally used in a positive context.
Stroud further discusses how the decline of "thou" was driven by the complexities of social hierarchy and the growing ambiguity in class structures, making "you" a more versatile and less offensive choice.
The Rise of Modern Investing: The Dutch East India Company
Timestamp: [30:00] - [45:00]
Transitioning from linguistic changes to economic developments, Stroud examines the establishment of the Dutch East India Company in early 1602. Recognized as the first publicly traded company, it introduced the concept of a stock exchange in Amsterdam. This innovation not only revolutionized commerce but also laid the groundwork for modern investing practices.
Stroud traces the etymology of the word "invest," highlighting its transformation from a term related to clothing and ceremonial duties to its contemporary meaning involving the allocation of capital:
"The word invest started to acquire its modern sense... the process was equated with someone who acquired an exalted position."
—[34:20]
Exploration of North America: Discovering Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
Timestamp: [45:00] - [60:00]
In 1602, English explorers Bartholomew Gosnold, John Brereton, and Gabriel Archer embarked on an expedition that led to the naming of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Stroud recounts their interactions with indigenous peoples, noting the early linguistic exchanges that would later influence American English with indigenous words.
The expedition's achievements include:
- Cape Cod: Named for the plentiful codfish encountered by Archer.
- Martha’s Vineyard: Possibly named after Gosnold's late daughter or his mother-in-law, reflecting personal influences on place names.
Stroud emphasizes the significance of these explorations in establishing English presence in North America, setting the stage for future settlements like Jamestown.
The Transition to the Stuart Monarchy: King James I
Timestamp: [60:00] - [75:00]
Queen Elizabeth I's death in March 1603 marked the end of the Tudor dynasty and the ascent of James VI of Scotland as James I of England, unifying the crowns of Scotland and England. This political shift had lasting linguistic implications, particularly in Scotland, where the influence of London English began to supplant Scots.
Stroud explains how King James I's preference for the standard English of London fostered linguistic unity across his realms:
"James embraced the standard English spoken in and around London."
—[65:45]
This unification contributed to the gradual erosion of distinct Scots, aligning the language more closely with that of England and facilitating the spread of standardized English.
The King James Bible and Pronoun Preservation
Timestamp: [75:00] - [90:00]
Perhaps one of the most influential linguistic milestones discussed is the King James Bible. Commissioned by King James I following the Hampton Court Conference in January 1604, this translation became the most widely read version of the Bible in the English-speaking world.
Stroud highlights how the King James Bible played a crucial role in standardizing English, particularly the East Midlands dialect, and preserved archaic pronouns such as "thou," "thee," and "thy." This preservation was partly due to the translators' adherence to traditional forms, which were still in use in formal writing even as spoken English moved towards "you."
"The King James Bible helped to secure the status of that dialect as the standard written dialect of English."
—[80:30]
The translation’s influence extended beyond religion, impacting literature, everyday speech, and further stabilizing English grammar and vocabulary.
The First English Dictionary: Robert Cawdrey's Table Alphabetical
Timestamp: [90:00] - [105:00]
In 1604, Robert Cawdrey published A Table Alphabetical, recognized as the first monolingual English-English dictionary. Unlike previous bilingual dictionaries aimed at translating Latin or French into English, Cawdrey's work focused on defining complex English words to aid common readers in understanding their vernacular.
Stroud discusses the dictionary's purpose and its audience, noting that it was specifically targeted towards women and other individuals without formal education in Latin or Greek:
"It was intended for ladies, gentlewomen, and other unskillful persons."
—[95:15]
With approximately 2,500 entries, the dictionary included words that were considered obscure at the time but have since become commonplace. Examples given include "abolish," "absolute," and "action," illustrating how linguistic usage evolves over centuries.
Cawdrey's work laid the foundation for future dictionaries, progressively expanding in size and scope to accommodate the growing complexity of the English language.
Shakespeare's Later Plays: Othello and Measure for Measure
Timestamp: [105:00] - [120:00]
Stroud returns to Shakespeare, focusing on the plays Othello and Measure for Measure, both performed in late 1604. These works introduced phrases and concepts that have endured in modern English.
Othello
Othello, performed as The Moor of Venice on November 1, 1604, explores themes of jealousy, racism, and manipulation. Key linguistic contributions from the play include:
-
"Wear your heart on your sleeve": Originating from Iago's advice on hiding true feelings.
"If I were to make my true feelings known, then I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for dolls to peck at."
—Iago, [110:15] -
"Green-eyed monster": A vivid metaphor for jealousy.
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster..."
—Iago, [112:30] -
"Foregone conclusion": First recorded use by Othello in a speech expressing certainty despite doubts.
"‘Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream."
—Othello, [113:45]
These expressions showcase Shakespeare's knack for coinage and his lasting impact on the English lexicon.
The Gunpowder Plot and Its Linguistic Legacy
Timestamp: [120:00] - [135:00]
The episode culminates with the exploration of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an assassination attempt by Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, to blow up Parliament and King James I. Stroud details the plot’s unraveling on November 4, 1605, emphasizing both its political and linguistic ramifications.
Political Consequences:
- Prevention of a massive loss of life and the continuation of the Stuart monarchy.
- Reinforcement of anti-Catholic sentiments in England.
Linguistic Consequences:
The term "guy" evolved from references to Guy Fawkes, originally used to describe effigies burned on Bonfire Night (November 5). Stroud traces the word’s transformation:
- Guy: From effigy to a generic term for a man or person.
- You Guys: An American English development to distinguish plural "you."
"You guys as a second person plural pronoun form has even spread to other parts of the English-speaking world."
—[130:20]
This linguistic evolution illustrates how historical events can leave lasting imprints on everyday language.
Conclusion
Episode 179: Defining Moments offers a comprehensive look at crucial events in the early 1600s that defined both English history and the evolution of the English language. From the theatrical innovations of Shakespeare and the advent of the first English dictionary to the political upheavals of King James I’s reign and the Gunpowder Plot, each moment interwove cultural, political, and linguistic threads that continue to influence modern English.
Stroud effectively demonstrates how these defining moments were not isolated incidents but interconnected milestones that collectively shaped the trajectory of English as a global language. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of historical events on linguistic development, offering listeners a rich and engaging narrative that bridges past and present.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Stroud explores the establishment of the first permanent English colony at Jamestown and its implications for the English language in America.