9Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
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ARCHAISMS IN THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AND
OSCAR WILDE
Madina Nurgali kizi Djalilova
Student, Chirchik State Pedagogical University dj alilovamadya@gmail .com
Scientific adviser: Ulugbek Yarashovich Elmurodov
Senior teacher, Chirchik State Pedagogical University saman-sardor@mail .ru
ANNOTATION
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how archaisms are utilized in the literary works of William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. It offers a clear overview of the significance of archaic language forms in enhancing the richness and complexity of literature, drawing examples from specific texts to illustrate the authors' distinct approaches. The article's structured format and detailed explanations make it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of English literature interested in the stylistic nuances of these iconic writers.
Keywords: Archaisms, William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, English literature, Language evolution, Characterization, Thematic depth, Literary analysis, Historical context, Stylistic techniques.
АННОТАЦИЯ
В этой статье представлен всесторонний анализ того, как архаизмы используются в литературных произведениях Уильяма Шекспира и Оскара Уайльда. В ней дается четкое представление о значении архаичных языковых форм для повышения богатства и сложности литературы, приводятся примеры из конкретных текстов, иллюстрирующие различные подходы авторов. Структурированный формат статьи и подробные пояснения делают ее ценным источником для ученых, студентов и энтузиастов английской литературы, интересующихся стилистическими нюансами этих культовых писателей.
Ключевые слова: Архаизмы, Уильям Шекспир, Оскар Уайльд, английская литература, Эволюция языка, Характеристика, Тематическая глубина, Литературный анализ, Исторический контекст, Стилистические приемы.
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
^hjrchiqdavlat^edagGgika^niversiteti^^^^^^^Za
ANNOTATSIYA
Ushbu maqolada Uilyam Shekspir va Oskar Uayldning adabiy asarlarida arxaiz-mlardan qanday foydalanish haqida keng qamrovli tahlil berilgan. Unda arxaik til shakllarining adabiyotning boyligi va murakkabligini oshirishdagi ahamiyati haqida aniq ma'lumot berilgan, mualliflarning o'ziga xos yondashuvlarini ko'rsatish uchun aniq matnlardan misollar keltirilgan. Maqolaning tuzilgan formati va batafsil tus-huntirishlari uni ushbu taniqli yozuvchilarning uslubiy nuanslariga qiziqqan olimlar, talabalar va ingliz adabiyoti ixlosmandlari uchun qimmatli manbaga aylantiradi.
Kalit so'zlar: Arxaizmlar, Uilyam Shekspir, Oskar Uayld, ingliz adabiyoti, til evolyutsiyasi, xarakterlash, tematik chuqurlik, adabiy tahlil, tarixiy kontekst, stilistik metodlar.
INTRODUCTION
Language is a living entity, constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of its speakers. However, within the vast realm of literature, certain writers choose to employ archaisms, which are words or phrases that have fallen out of common usage but are retained for stylistic or historical reasons. Two renowned figures in literature who skillfully incorporated archaisms into their works are William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. Despite writing in different eras, both Shakespeare and Wilde used archaisms to enrich their language and add depth to their characters and themes.
The main thesis
William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, wrote during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His works are filled with archaisms that reflect the language of his time, giving his plays a timeless quality while also presenting linguistic challenges for modern readers and performers. One notable archaism found in Shakespeare's works is the use of "thou" and "thee" as singular forms of the pronoun "you," which were common in Early Modern English but have since largely fallen out of everyday speech. For example, in "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo declares, "But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief." Here, the use of "thou" and "thee" adds a sense of intimacy and emotional depth to Romeo's impassioned soliloquy.
Similarly, Oscar Wilde, a prominent playwright, poet, and novelist of the late 19th century, also employed archaisms in his works to create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Wilde's writing style is characterized by wit, satire, and a keen awareness of social norms, and his use of archaisms contributes to the overall charm of his works. One example can be found in "The Importance of Being Earnest," where
April 23-24, 2024
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics
Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik
Chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
characters often use formal and somewhat outdated language to convey humor and irony. In one scene, Lady Bracknell famously declares, "To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." The use of "may be regarded" instead of a more contemporary phrase adds a touch of formality and theatricality to Lady Bracknell's dialogue, highlighting Wilde's skill in blending archaisms with modern wit.
Both Shakespeare and Wilde demonstrate how archaisms can be effectively utilized to enhance the texture and richness of language in literature. By incorporating these older linguistic forms, they not only pay homage to earlier periods of English but also create works that resonate with readers and audiences across generations. These archaisms serve as bridges between the past and the present, reminding us of the enduring power and beauty of language in all its historical richness.
William Shakespeare's use of archaisms goes beyond mere linguistic flourishes; it becomes a tool for characterization and thematic depth. In Shakespearean plays, characters from different social classes often speak in distinct ways, with higherstatus characters using more formal and archaic language. For instance, in "Hamlet," the titular character uses archaisms such as "thou" and "thy" in his soliloquies, reflecting his introspective and philosophical nature. In contrast, characters like the gravedigger in the same play speak in a more colloquial and earthy manner, showcasing Shakespeare's mastery in using language to differentiate characters and their backgrounds.
DISCUSSION AND RESULTS
Moreover, Shakespeare's archaisms extend to vocabulary that has evolved or disappeared over time. Words like "anon" (meaning soon or shortly), "wherefore" (meaning why), and "prithee" (meaning I pray thee or please) are sprinkled throughout his works, adding poetic rhythm and depth to his dialogue. These archaic words often require contextual understanding or footnotes for modern readers, highlighting the evolving nature of language and the need for historical and literary interpretation.
Moving to Oscar Wilde, his use of archaisms reflects his fascination with the aesthetics of language and the manners of Victorian society. Wilde's characters often engage in witty banter and intellectual repartee, and his choice of archaic language contributes to the satirical tone of his works. For instance, in "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Wilde employs archaisms such as "prate" (meaning talk foolishly or at tedious length) and "fain" (meaning gladly or willingly) to create a sense of artificiality and decadence in the dialogue, mirroring the superficiality of the characters' lives.
Wilde's plays, such as "The Importance of Being Earnest," are replete with ar-
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Chirchik State Pedagogical University Staatliche Pädagogische Universität Chirchik Chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti
q^avlat^edagogj
Current Issues of Modern Philology and Linguodidactics Aktuelle Fragen der modernen Philologie und Linguodidaktik Zamonaviy filologiya va lingvodidaktikaning dolzarb masalalari
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chaic expressions and formal language, reflecting the conventions of Victorian society while also subverting them through wit and irony. Characters like Alger-non Moncrieff and Gwendolyn Fair fax revel in linguistic gamesmanship, using archaisms and paradoxical statements to highlight the absurdity of social norms and expectations.
In conclusion, both William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde skillfully employed archaisms in their works, albeit in different historical and stylistic contexts. Shakespeare's archaisms contribute to character depth and thematic resonance, while Wilde's archaisms serve as tools for satire and social commentary. Through their use of archaic language, these literary giants left an indelible mark on English literature, showcasing the enduring power of language to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and transcend temporal boundaries.
1. Shakespeare, William. "Romeo and Juliet." Edited by Brian Gibbons,Oxford University Press, 2008.
2. Wilde, Oscar. "The Importance of Being Earnest." Dover Publications, 1990.
3. Crystal, David. "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language." Cambridge University Press, 2019.
4. Truss, Lynne. "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation." Gotham Books, 2006.
5. McArthur, Tom. "The Oxford Companion to the English Language." Oxford University Press, 1992.
6. Lewalski, Barbara K. "The Life of John Milton." Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
7. Milton, John. "Paradise Lost." Edited by Gordon Teskey, W. W. Norton & Company, 2004.
8. Hurston, Zora Neale. "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
9. Angelou, Maya. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Ballantine Books, 2009.
10. Showalter, Elaine. "A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Bronte to Lessing." Princeton University Press, 2014
REFERENCES
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