Hamlet 3.4 Word Nerd: Rhapsody

The term 'Rhapsode' originally referred to epic poems like Homer's Iliad. In medieval French, a similar term described unconnected or miscellaneous verses with a negative connotation. This sense was adopted in English around Shakespeare's time, used for criticism. The musical meaning of 'Rhapsody' as an emotional composition emerged in the 19th century.

What does the term Rhapsode refer to in its original context?

How was the term Rhapsody used in medieval French?

What negative connotation did the term Rhapsody carry?

When did the term Rhapsody begin to be used in English?

What change occurred in the meaning of Rhapsody in the 19th century?