About shakspeare

[Sexy chick]

Can any one tell me how to translate shakespeare in modern day lanuage?

[archbishop]

It's not a foriegn language you know.It's English and not a lot different to how we converse now.

[Litchick]

Also, you can get a glossary of Shakespearean terms.  But the easiest way is to just take your time and READ it.  Archbishop is right.  They're just words.  Just keep in mind that Shakespeare used a lot of fancy words to describe something simple.  For instance, instead of saying "Bring me a glass of water..." he would say, "I pray thee on the wings of Hermes, slake my thirst with that sweet nectar of the gods" or some such thing.

[Merlin]

"But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." = "Who's that - blimey, it's Jules - and she's fit!!"

[Merlin]

"Death lies on her, like an untimely frost upon the sweetest flower of all the field" = "Oooooooooohh - she's gone all cold. Won't be long now - she's on her way out". (Although, of course, she wasn't).
Romeo & Juliet, Act iv, Sc.4.

Why change it? Shakespeare without the language is like ballet in bovver boots. It's curious and may be entertaining for a little while, but it's just not the same. Rather than change it, get to know it - and even use it on occasion.

[CharlieP1973]

"To be, or not to be: that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?" "Hmmm, should I put up with this or what?"

[Litchick]

I love it!!!!!!!!  I wish we still spoke like this today!  It really is so much more beautiful and passionate than saying, "oh look at Juliet -- she's hot!"  LOL!
"Give me my Romeo and if I should die, take him out and cut him into little stars...and he will make the face of heaven so bright that all the world will be in love with the night...."

[Merlin]

It sets my essence - nay, my very soul - to joyous sparkling as though my spine consisted of naught but a disco-chick's glitter make-up.

Damn - almost had it then. OK - "Yeah, it gives me a buzz n'all!. 

[Merlin]

And isn't "See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek!". - (Act II, Scene II)." So much more than "Phwooooaaarrr - and not just the cheek - know what I mean?"?!?

Sexy Chick - does this do it for you? - Have a go.

[Merlin]

As R leaves J at daybreak:

R: Farewell!  I will omit no opportunity that may convey my greetings, love, to thee. 

J: O, think'st thou we shall ever meet again? 

R: I doubt it not; and all these woes shall serve for sweet discourses in our time to come. 

Or, as Sexy chick would have it:

R: See ya, then - I'll give you a bell when I can, OK?

J: Hang on- what about a date? 
 
R: Yeah, sure - it'll be a crack!

Shakespeare is sexy. I must look at Henry V........