Plot Overview In the first scene of Hamlet, Barnardo, a guard, comes to relieve Francisco, who is his colleague. They are performing their duty as guards on the platform in the castle of Elsinore. Barnardo asks Francisco about his identity.…
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Verbal Irony
Have you ever said one thing but meant the opposite? Or perhaps heard someone else do so? That’s often verbal irony at play. It’s a fascinating and frequently used literary device that adds layers of meaning to language. Let’s explore…
Run-On Sentence
Have you ever read a sentence that just…keeps going and going? A sentence that feels like it should have ended several words ago? That’s likely a run‑on sentence. Understanding this common writing issue is crucial for clear and effective communication.…
Dramatic Irony
Have you ever watched a movie and known something the characters didn’t? That feeling, that little thrill of anticipation or dread, is often thanks to a clever literary device called Dramatic Irony. It’s a powerful tool storytellers use to build…
Caesura
Have you ever noticed a pause within a line of poetry, a beat that isn’t at the end? That’s often a caesura, and understanding it can unlock a deeper appreciation for how writers craft rhythm and meaning. This guide will…
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream This profoundly famous phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Specifically, it appears in Act III, Scene I, within the heart of Prince Hamlet’s most celebrated soliloquy. It follows the iconic opening, “To be, or…
Lady Doth Protest too Much
The Origin of “The Lady Doth Protest Too Much” This enduring phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Specifically, it appears in Act III, Scene II, during the performance of “The Mousetrap,” a play within the play. Queen Gertrude utters…
Once More unto the Breach
Understanding “Once More Unto the Breach” The phrase “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,” resonates even today, centuries after its first utterance. It is a powerful call to action, a defiant embrace of challenge, and a testament…
My Kingdom for a Horse
Origin of “My Kingdom for a Horse” This iconic phrase originates from Act V, Scene IV of William Shakespeare’s play, Richard III. During the climactic Battle of Bosworth Field, King Richard III, desperate and realizing the battle is slipping away, cries out,…
Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be
Origin of “Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be” The well known phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. It appears in Act I, Scene III, as part of a lengthy counsel Polonius gives to his son Laertes who is…
To Be Great is to Be Misunderstood
Origin of “To Be Great is to Be Misunderstood” The powerful phrase “To be great is to be misunderstood” originates from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1841 essay, Self-Reliance. Within the essay, Emerson doesn’t simply state the phrase as a standalone idea;…
12 Thought Provoking Examples of Irony in History
Irony doesn’t just exist in literature, it also exists in real life! We have a ton of really funny examples of irony lurking right in our history books. Take a look at funny examples of irony in history: 1. The…
Huge List of Oxymorons
Huge List of Oxymorons An oxymoron is a consecutive set of words that have contradictory meanings. In many cases they are obvious. However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. Take a look at which ones…
Huge list of Homophones
Huge List of Homophones This list includes homophones in both English and British spellings. Please note that in some accents, the words may not be homophones. These are arranged in alphabetical order for convenience. Homophones in the English Language accessary,…
All the World’s a Stage
Origin of All the World’s a Stage Like several other phrases, this phrase was coined by William Shakespeare. Jacques has spoken this famous phrase in Act-II, Scene-VII of the play As You Like It. He says, “All the world’s a…
Miles to Go Before I Sleep
Origin of “Miles to Go Before I Sleep” The evocative phrase “Miles to go before I sleep” comes from the final stanza of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” It appears only once, in the line:…
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
Origin of “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” The powerful phrase “Do not go gentle into that good night” originates from Dylan Thomas’s poem of the same title. Published in 1951, the poem is particularly poignant because it…
Alas, Poor Yorick!
Alas, Poor Yorick! The poignant phrase “Alas, poor Yorick!” originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. It appears in Act V, Scene I, as Hamlet contemplates the skull of Yorick, the former royal jester, while conversing with Horatio in the graveyard.…
A Rose by any Other Name
A Rose by Any Other Name This enduring phrase, originating from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Act II, Scene II), transcends its literary roots to become a widely recognized expression. Juliet poses the question, “What’s in a name? That which…
A Pound of Flesh
Origin of “A Pound of Flesh” The phrase ‘a pound of flesh’ originates from William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice. It is a pivotal element within the complex narrative, appearing most prominently in Act IV, Scene I. Shylock, a…