Modern playwrights use language in ways that would be alien to earlier dramatists. Contrast Shakespeare's use of language in Hamlet's soliloquy with Shephard's use of language in Buried Child. Does the social standing of the characters of the two characters play a part in how they express themselves?

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The Answer is In Hamlet's soliloquy, Shakespeare uses language in a poetic and introspective manner. The language is highly structured and complex, reflecting the deep emotional and philosophical turmoil of the character. Hamlet's soliloquy is filled with metaphors, allusions, and wordplay, demonstrating Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to convey the inner workings of the human mind.

On the other hand, in Buried Child, Sam Shepard's use of language is more colloquial and fragmented. The characters speak in a disjointed and raw manner, reflecting the dysfunction and disconnection within the family. Shepard's language is more direct and often uses vernacular speech patterns, highlighting the gritty realism of the play.

The social standing of the characters in the two plays does play a part in how they express themselves. In Hamlet, the characters are of noble birth and therefore their language reflects their education and societal status. They speak in a more refined and eloquent manner, befitting their position in society. In Buried Child, the characters are from a lower socioeconomic background, and their language is reflective of their rough and unpolished lives. Their speech is more casual and coarse, mirroring their working-class roots.

Overall, the use of language in the two plays reflects the different time periods and social contexts in which they were written, as well as the social standing and inner turmoil of the characters themselves.

Modern Playwrights Use Language in Ways That Would Be Alien