I think that instead of turning to swear words in anger, we should bring back the long drawn out curse speeches. They seem much more powerful, and can be so very harsh. Not just "A plague on both your houses." Dig deep and find what will really upset them. For a prime example look to the one said by King Lear, in the Shakespearean play of the same name, to his daughter. Here he wishes her infertility, and if she does bare children that they are so evil they will torment her and cause her to quickly age.
"It may be so, my lord.
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful!
Into her womb convey sterility!
Dry up in her the organs of increase;
And from her derogate body never spring
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,
Create her child of spleen; that it may live,
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her!
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away!"
No comments:
Post a Comment