Shakespearean Insults

What is the true purpose of word choice and insults in Shakespeare? (check all that apply)

• to provide humor

• to forward characterization

• to build dramatic tension

• to show of Shakespeare's language skills

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What does "thou clay brained guts, knotty pated fool" mean?

• you are an idiot

• you are too tall

• you are too fragile

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

What does the insult "fishmonger" mean?

• broker of fish

• broker of animals

• broker of women

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What does the insult "bite my thumb at you" mean?

• giving someone the middle finger

• wishing someone got the Plague

• saying you're better than someone else

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

What does the insult "heartless hinds" mean?

• villain

• coward

• grumpy

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

What does the word "harmatia" mean in literature?

• the cause of a character's downfall

• the thing the character most fears

• the title of a noble character

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What does the following insult mean? You are "a common cry of curs, whose breath I hate as reek'st the rotten fens."

• you are very unintelligent

• you are like a dog

• you have terrible smelling breath

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What does the insult the "tartness of his face sours like grapes" mean?

• the person is super grumpy

• the person is super angry

• the person is super ugly

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What does the insult "thou art false as hell" mean?

• you're not intelligent

• you're a liar

• you're evil

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

What do you think this insult means: "Villain, I have done thy mother."?

• Shakespeare's version of a "mom joke"

• Your mother is dead

• Your mother is stupid

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3