How does Shakespearian syntax differ at times and why?

Answer 1

Shakespearean syntax differs from modern syntax in several ways.

1. Word order: Shakespeare often used a more flexible word order than we use today. In modern English, the subject usually comes before the verb. In Shakespeare's time, the verb often came before the subject.

Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question." (Hamlet, Act III, Scene I)

2. Repetition: Shakespeare used repetition frequently to emphasize key ideas and create rhythm. He also used parallelism, which is the repetition of grammatical structures.

Example: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Macbeth, Act I, Scene I)

3. Prose vs. poetry: Shakespeare wrote in both prose (ordinary language) and poetry. His poetry often follows a strict meter and rhyme scheme.

Example: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate." (Sonnet 18)

Shakespeare's syntax differed at times because he wrote during a time when English was undergoing a transformation from Middle English to Early Modern English. During this time, there were no fixed rules for grammar and syntax, so writers often used more creative and flexible language. Additionally, Shakespeare was a master of language and used syntax strategically to manipulate mood, tone, and meaning in his works.