During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, while Shakespeare was writing his plays, the English language was undergoing many changes. Words were coming in from Greek and Roman texts, as well as words from other languages, came into the language. Exploration of the new world and new discoveries in science and astrology led to new ideas and new objects—all needing to be put into words. Shakespeare and other writers were adopting new words and creating new words to describe the changing world. These words were written into the plays, performed over years, and coming into our language.
For 400 years, four centuries, Shakespeare’s plays have been making the rounds in our world. And they are still filmed and performed and read and loved and hated and discussed and absolutely present in our lives today. All thanks to the First Folio.
History shows us what's possible.
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