[Sterling01]

Originally Posted by tripperazn

Just because language changes, doesn't mean we got dumber. I've read AND performed unabridged Shakespearian works (King Lear, Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew [performed], Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth), and it's still a pain to read. Iambic pentameter is beautiful, as is the characterization, and literary depth, but he just uses SO MANY words differently. In some editions, a good 40% of any given page will be dedicated to footnotes explaining cultural references and word choice. Seriously, what kind of person today knows what a "fishmonger" is off the top of their head without having studied Hamlet?

Yes, it was intended for lower class citizens, especially the cruder humor and imagery, but that's like saying people were dumb back in the day because they can't understand gangsta rap. I know comparing Shakespeare to rap is an atrocity, but it does illustrate the point quite well.

Oh I was just refering to something my old english teacher once said.