Cunk On Shakespeare Insights

Virginia Woolf proposed a new form of novel that focuses on the inner experiences of characters, rather than mere plot.

A genre of literature characterized by dark themes, supernatural elements, and emotional extremes, popular in the 19th century.

A cultural movement from the 14th to the 17th century, emphasizing humanism, art, and science, beginning in northern Italy.

A term used to describe the Renaissance to avoid outdated connotations, marking significant cultural changes in Europe.

A conflict between new rational thinking and established religious beliefs during the Renaissance period.

A hierarchical structure of existence where every entity has its predetermined place.

The belief that all creations and their purposes are determined by a higher power, like God.

The ability to change one's social class, viewed negatively in the Chain of Being.

A human-centered perspective where human importance is emphasized over other entities.

Clear distinctions between different levels of beings in the Chain of Being.

Instances in Shakespeare's works that illustrate concepts of the Chain of Being, such as regicide.

The representation of the Chain of Being as vertical steps indicating rank and order.

Events that challenge the established order, causing chaos in society.

Early comedic forms that influenced later works with stock characters and love plots.

Standardized characters often used in comedies, like the clever servant or the foolish older man.

A subgenre featuring lovers overcoming obstacles, typically ending happily.

An example of a romantic comedy that includes misunderstandings and magical elements.

A comedy style using humor to criticize human faults, often with exaggerated characters.

An exaggerated portrayal of a character that highlights flaws or traits, used in satirical comedy.

A subcategory that combines tragic and supernatural elements with comedic aspects.

A play that is a mix of romance and supernatural themes within the comedic genre.

A poetic form consisting of 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme.

A stanza of four lines, typically with alternating rhyme.

A stanza of three lines, often with a rhyme scheme of its own.

The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem.

A turn or shift in thought within a poem, particularly in a sonnet.

An early form of sonnet with an octave and a sestet, usually abbaabba cdcdcd.

A sonnet featuring three quatrains followed by a heroic couplet, rhyme scheme abab cdcd efef gg.

A series of sonnets linked thematically, forming a larger narrative arc.

A common theme in sonnets, showcasing longing and desire without reciprocation.

A term describing women poets who adopted and adapted the sonnet tradition.

A type of play focused on England's past, often featuring the Tudor monarchy.

A narrative portraying the Tudor dynasty as the start of England's Golden Age.

Historiographic source that influenced early English historical plays.

Figures depicted as capable of changing the course of history in plays.

A sense of pride in England that increased during Queen Elizabeth I's reign.

A subcategory of play set in ancient Rome used to comment on contemporary politics.

Concerns over potential conflict due to the lack of a successor for Elizabeth I.

Restrictions on playwrights that led them to use historical settings to critique current rulers.

Ancient theory of four bodily fluids affecting health and personality.

Greek physician known as the 'Father of Medicine'; introduced the four humours.

Roman physician who expanded the theory of the four humours.

Fluid linked to the sanguine humour; symbolizes joy and sociability.

Fluid associated with the melancholy humour; denotes sadness.

Fluid corresponding to the phlegmatic humour; represents laziness.

Fluid tied to the choleric humour; represents anger and aggression.

Each humour corresponds to an element (Earth, Water, Air, Fire).

Humours were believed to correspond with age and seasons: youth (spring), old (autumn).

Humours were used in literature for quick character development.