Shakespeare's Humor

Shakespeare's Humor

In addition to everyday expressions, there are also lines that Shakespeare gave to his characters to execute efficiently. I'm sure that you'll enjoy reading them.

   THE ALL-PURPOSE INSULT
   BORE
   GET LOST
   REPARTEE
   STUPIDITY

THE ALL-PURPOSE INSULT

Thou slander of thy heavy mother's womb! (Richard III, 1.3.230-31)
Were I like thee I'd throw away myself. (Timon of Athens, III.4.100)
You are as a candle, the better part burnt out. (Henry IV, Part 2,1.2.158-59)
Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make / No excuse current but
to hang thyself. (Richard III, 1.2.83-84)

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BORE

Harp not on that string....(Richard III, IV.4.364)
You cram those words into mine ears against / The stomach of my sense.
(The Tempest, II.1.108-9)
More of your conversation would infect my brain....(Coriolanus, II.1.88-89)

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GET LOST

I thank you for your company, but, good faith,
I had as lief have been myself alone.
(AS You Like It, III.2.246-47)
Direct thy feet / Where thou and I henceforth may never meet.
(Twelfth Night, V.1.166-67)
Go thou, and fill another room in hell. (Richard II, V.5.107)
Away, you scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian!
I'll tickle your catastrophe! (Henry IV, Part 2,II.1.57-58)

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REPARTEE

PETRUCHIO. Nay, come, Kate, come, you must not look so sour.
KATHERINA. It is my fashion when I see a crab.
(The Taming of the Shrew, II.1.226-27)
LUCIO....I know what I know.
DUKE. I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak.
(Measure for Measure, III 2.144-45)
APEMANTUS. When I knew not what else to do, I'll see thee again.
TIMON. When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt be welcome.
(Timon of Athens, IV.3.351-52)

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STUPIDITY

AJAX. I shall cut out your tongue.
THERSITES. 'Tis no matter; I shall speak as much as thou afterwards.
(Troilus and Cressida, II.1.109.11)
Thou has pared thy wit o' both sides and left nothing i'the middle.
(King Lear, I.4.183)

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