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Romeo and Juliet Prologue Language and Plot: Spoiler Alerts?
This video delves into the introduction of the central characters, Romeo and Juliet, in Shakespeare's iconic tragedy. The discussion explores the thematic significance of "star-crossed lovers" and the fatalistic language used to...
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Romeo and Juliet Interview: Introduction
In this video, hosts Ralph Holinshed and Sarah Siddons delve into William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," discussing its historical origins and influences. They explore the tragedy's themes, the significance of its prologue, and the...
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Romeo and Juliet 5.3 Word Nerd: monument
This video delves into the etymology of the word "monument," exploring its historical origins and evolution in meaning, particularly within the context of its usage in Act 5, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The analysis...
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Romeo and Juliet 4.5 Interview with Capulet and Friar Lawrence
This video explores the dramatic and emotional events of Act 4, Scene 5 in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," where the characters react to the apparent death of Juliet. Viewers will gain insights into the use of language, character...
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The Taming of the Shrew 1.2 Word Nerd: “ass”
This video explains the etymology and usage of the word "ass" in English, which refers to donkeys and other beasts of burden. It highlights how the term evolved to describe someone as foolish or silly, much like its use in Shakespeare's...
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How Do Clichés Evolve into Memes?
Adaptable clichés called "snowclones" are EVERYWHERE on the internet. We use them for memes, inside jokes, to show our membership of the group. But they weren't invented online. In fact, they're way older than you think!
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Is Swearing Good for Your Brain?
Does swearing get a bad rap? There's evidence that the shouting obscenities has an evolutionary purpose... and may be good for your psyche!
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Popular Words Invented by Authors
Authors often create words just for a one-time usage... but a special few will gain traction and become full-fledged parts of our shared lexicon!
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Hamlet 3.1 Dig Deeper: Elizabethan Relationships
This video explores the symbolic act of Ophelia returning Hamlet's gifts and love letters, which in the Elizabethan era, could signal the end of an engagement. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of such an act and its...
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Hamlet 2.2 Word Nerd: Pregnant
This video examines Shakespeare's use of the word "pregnant" in "Hamlet" to describe Hamlet's replies as rich with hidden meanings. It contrasts this with Hamlet's claim of being "unpregnant" regarding his lack of motivation,...
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Hamlet 2.2 Word Nerd: Dull and Muddy Mettled
This video provides an analysis of wordplay in Shakespeare's works, focusing on the terms "dull," "metal," and "muddy" as used in his texts. It explains how Shakespeare creatively plays with the dual meanings of "metal" to enrich his...
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Hamlet 2.2 Why It's Cool - Language and Plays on Words
This video segment highlights Shakespeare's skillful use of language through puns, innuendos, and satire in "Hamlet," particularly examining the dual roles played by characters who must be both actors and observers within the story. It...
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Hamlet 2.2 The Play Within the Play
This video explores a pivotal moment in Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where Hamlet devises a plan to confirm Claudius's guilt through a theatrical performance. It delves into the historical context of the era, explaining how...
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Hamlet 2.2 Discussion: Hamlet's Hesitation
This video discusses Hamlet's hesitation to exact revenge on Claudius in Shakespeare's Hamlet. It explores the psychological and moral complexities that delay his action, including doubts about the ghost's honesty and his own fear of sin.
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Hamlet 2.2 The Irony in Hamlet's Character
This video delves into a pivotal moment in Shakespeare's Hamlet where the titular character grapples with his hesitation to act against Claudius. After expressing his rage, Hamlet immediately doubts his resolve, highlighting his inner...
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Hamlet 2.2 Discussion: Unpregnant
This video analyzes a segment from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on the use of the word "pregnant." Initially, Polonius describes Hamlet's replies as "pregnant," meaning they are full of hidden meaning. Later, Hamlet...
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Hamlet 2.2 Dig Deeper: Elizabethans Outdoors
This video offers an in-depth analysis of the environmental and societal context presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on the interpretation of "walking out of the air." It explains the historical connotations of...
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Hamlet 2.1 Word Nerd: Beshrew
This video highlights a moment of realization for Polonius in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where he reflects on his previous actions toward Ophelia and Hamlet. Polonius acknowledges his mistake in misjudging Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia and...
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Hamlet 2.1 Why It's Cool
This video explores a scene in "Hamlet" where the focus is on Hamlet's reported actions rather than his direct presence. It delves into how characters discuss Hamlet's antic disposition, pondering whether it's genuine madness or a...
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Hamlet 2.1 What the Critics Say
This video discusses the varying interpretations of Hamlet's behavior in the scene where Polonius attributes his madness to love for Ophelia. It explores differing scholarly opinions on whether Hamlet's actions are due to heartbreak, a...
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Hamlet 2.1 Dig Deeper: Hamlet's Madness
This video delves into Hamlet's decision to feign madness at the end of Act 1, Scene 5, analyzing its strategic purpose within the context of Shakespeare's narrative. It highlights the historical and literary precedents for such a...
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A Midsummer Night's Dream 1.1 Interview: Theseus, Hippolyta, and Philostrate
This video presents an interview with Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta, along with Philostrate, highlighting their perspectives on the upcoming royal wedding in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The conversation explores the...
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Hamlet 4.7 Word Nerd: Trick
This video analyzes Laertes' struggle with his emotions and the word "trick" in Act 4, Scene 7 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. It explains how Laertes' crying is depicted as a habitual response to tragic news and explores the various meanings...
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Hamlet 3.4 What the Critics Say
This video analyzes Act 3, Scene 4 of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," focusing on the complex portrayal of Hamlet as he confronts his mother Gertrude. The discussion explores how Hamlet's mental state fluctuates, his strategic pretense of...