Hamlet 2.1 Word Nerd: Beshrew

The transcript explores the meaning of jealousy and 'beshrew' in Shakespeare's works. It explains how jealousy is used in a broader sense of general suspiciousness. The term 'beshrew' is traced back to the shrew, an animal associated with evil in folklore. The word 'shrew' is also used metaphorically to describe troublesome individuals, not just women, as seen in 'The Taming of the Shrew'.

In what way was the term 'shrew' used metaphorically?

Can the term 'shrew' refer to individuals other than women? Explain.