From "I shall," to "I promise", to "I swear"…How Words and Symbols Define Human Character

Let us begin with a simple question: What is the most used word in Shakespeare?

If we dive into the beautiful intricacies of the Bard’s work, we see that the most commonly used word is the humble "the." Since his works are written in Early Modern English, which can be quite different from modern usage, common words like "and," "I," "you," "of," and "my" also appear frequently. These might not be the most exciting words, but they’re the glue that holds the rich language and poetic verses together.

What then is the most used noun in Shakespeare?

Ah, diving deeper into the Bard's words! One of the most commonly used nouns in Shakespeare's works is "king." This makes sense, considering the numerous historical plays and tragedies centred around royalty and power. Other frequently used nouns include "man," "love," "lord," and "night." Shakespeare had an exceptional way of weaving these words into his intricate storytelling, creating unforgettable characters and scenes.

Let us continue building our logic: what is the most commonly used verb in Shakespeare?

When we examine the action-packed world of Shakespeare's works, one verb that stands out as most frequently used is "shall." This word appears often in his plays and sonnets, reflecting the language and context of the time. Other commonly used verbs include "come," "go," "have," and "make."

Shakespeare's ability to breathe life into his characters and stories through these verbs is remarkable. His verbs are the gears that drive the dramatic action, revealing the inner workings of human nature and emotion.

Let us broaden the picture further. What does Shakespeare mean by the verb “shall”?

In Shakespeare's time, the verb "shall" was commonly used to express future intentions or actions, as well as to convey a sense of duty, obligation, or promise. It was a versatile word that could indicate what someone is going to do or what is expected to happen.

For example, in a line like "I shall meet thee at Philippi," the word "shall" signals a future action or event. In another context, "shall" might be used to convey a sense of determination or command, such as "Thou shalt not pass."

Overall, "shall" helped Shakespeare's characters express their intentions, commitments, and expectations in a way that was clear and emphatic.

In our discussion, the humble “the” in Shakespeare leads logically to consideration of “man”, "intent” and “promise”.

Promise and oath play a significant role in Shakespeare's works, often driving the plot forward and revealing characters' intentions. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Hamlet: In Act I, Scene V, Hamlet promises his father's ghost that he will avenge his murder. Hamlet swears, "So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word; It is 'Adieu, adieu! remember me.' I have sworn't."

2. Julius Caesar: In Act III, Scene I, Antony swears revenge after Caesar's assassination, promising to avenge his friend's death with the line, "Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war."

3. Macbeth: In Act I, Scene VII, Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's resolve to follow through on his promise to kill King Duncan. Macbeth declares his commitment, saying, "I am settled, and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat."

4. Romeo and Juliet: In Act II, Scene II, Romeo and Juliet make several vows of love to each other during the famous balcony scene. Juliet says, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite."

These examples showcase the importance of promises, oaths and vows in Shakespeare's plays, often highlighting the characters' dedication, honour and sometimes their tragic flaws.

And what of examples of “oath” in Shakespeare?

Oath and vow are pivotal in Shakespeare's works, as they often underscore characters' commitments, but also their tragic consequences. For example:

1. Henry V: In Act IV, Scene III, King Henry V delivers the famous St. Crispin's Day speech, where he takes an oath of brotherhood with his soldiers before the Battle of Agincourt. He declares, "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother."

2. Othello: In Act III, Scene III, Othello swears an oath of vengeance against Desdemona, believing she has been unfaithful. He says, "Now, by yond marble heaven, In the due reverence of a sacred vow I here engage my words."

3. Richard III: In Act I, Scene I, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes an oath to himself to seize the throne by any means necessary. He declares, "I am determined to prove a villain And hate the idle pleasures of these days."

4. The Tempest: In Act V, Scene I, Prospero forgives his brother Antonio and renounces his magical powers. He swears an oath, saying, "Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves...This rough magic I here abjure."

These oaths and vows highlight the gravity and intensity of the characters' intentions and their impact on the unfolding drama.

Art and the Universality of Shakespeare’s Ideas

Shakespeare’s ideas are universal. Future intention, promises and oaths are integral to the art of storytelling, theatre and literature. They add layers of meaning, depth and complexity to the narrative and character development. Here's how these concepts play a role in art:

1. Future Intention: This concept helps create anticipation and foreshadowing in a story. By revealing a character's intentions, the audience can anticipate future events and their potential impact on the narrative. It drives the plot forward and keeps the audience engaged.

2. Promises: Promises in art often serve as pivotal moments that reveal a character's motivations, values and relationships. A promise can create tension and conflict, as characters strive to fulfil or break their vows. It also adds emotional weight and moral dilemmas to the story.

3. Oaths: Oaths are formal declarations of commitment, often carrying a sense of duty and honour. In literature and theatre, oaths can define a character's identity and loyalty, influencing their actions and decisions. They often lead to dramatic consequences, highlighting the themes of integrity, betrayal and sacrifice.

These concepts enrich the artistic experience, making stories more compelling and relatable. They resonate with audiences because they reflect universal human experiences and emotions.

The Word and Painted Image

In painting, the concepts of future intention, promises and oaths can be subtly woven into the visual narrative. Artists use symbolism, composition and subject matter to convey these themes:

1. Future Intention: Artists often depict characters or scenes that suggest future actions or events. For example, in "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli, Venus's forward gaze and the figures around her hint at her future influence and role in mythology. The

   
   

   

   Sandro Botticelli, "The Birth of Venus" (c. 1482)

   
   

   painting captures a moment of transformation and new beginnings.

   
   

2. Promises: Promises can be represented through gestures, expressions and interactions between characters. In "The Arnolfini Portrait" by Jan van Eyck, the couple's joined hands and the presence of the dog symbolise loyalty, fidelity and the promises made within marriage. The intricate details in the painting emphasise the importance of these vows.

   
   

   

   Jan van Eyck, "The Arnolfini Portrait" (1434)

   
   

3. Oaths: Oaths are often depicted through formal or ceremonial settings. In "The Oath of the Horatii" by Jacques-Louis David, the dramatic composition shows the Horatii brothers taking an oath to defend Rome. The tension and determination in their stances convey the gravity of their commitment. This painting underscores themes of honour, duty and sacrifice.

   
   

   

    Jacques-Louis David, "The Oath of the Horatii" (c. 1784)

   
   
   
   

These concepts enrich the visual storytelling in paintings, allowing viewers to engage with the deeper meanings and emotions conveyed by the artist.

Concepts and Cultural Meaning

As evident, intent, promise and oath are important concepts defining human character in literature and art. But do these concepts have the same meaning in different cultures?

Their meanings, significance and the ways they are practised can vary widely.

1. Western Cultures: In many Western societies, promises and oaths are often formal and legally binding, such as vows taken in courtrooms, political offices and marriages. The emphasis is on personal integrity and the legal ramifications of breaking these vows.

2. Eastern Cultures: In some Eastern cultures, promises and oaths can be deeply tied to honour and family reputation. For example, in traditional Japanese culture, a person's word (giri) is seen as a binding obligation, and breaking a promise can bring shame not just to the individual, but to their entire family.

3. Indigenous Cultures: Many indigenous cultures place a strong emphasis on community and oral traditions. In these societies, promises and oaths may be part of ceremonies or rituals that connect the individual to their community and ancestors. The act of making a promise can be a sacred event, and breaking it can have spiritual consequences.

4. Religious Contexts: Different religions have their own interpretations of promises and oaths. For example, in Christianity, taking an oath on the Bible is seen as a solemn promise before God. In Hinduism, vows (vratas) are often made to deities and are considered sacred, with both spiritual and moral implications.

5. Cultural Significance: In some cultures, promises and oaths are seen as a way to build trust and social cohesion. In others, they may be viewed more pragmatically, as tools for ensuring cooperation and enforcing agreements.

   
   

While the core idea of making a commitment remains, the cultural context shapes how promises and oaths are perceived and honoured.