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I particularly despise people who express themselves poorly in writing. How horrible it is to read language that rides roughshod over manners and social conventions. It’s also very poor to be over-polite with people who should rightly be treated less formally. It’s bad enough to receive poorly written letters oneself, and just as disgraceful when they’re sent to others.

Generally speaking, even when you hear someone use language in this sort of slovenly way when talking face to face, you wince and wonder to yourself how they can say such things, and it’s even more appalling when it’s directed to someone eminent. Though when it’s some country bumpkin who’s speaking like this, it’s actually funny, and therefore quite appropriate to them.

Explanation and Analysis:

This passage reveals some of Sei’s thoughts regarding court etiquette and class differences in general. Unsurprisingly, given Sei’s enthusiasm and skill for poetry, she looks down on people who don’t share her deftness of expression. However, i...

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Original

Romeo

(aside) She speaks.
O, speak again, bright angel! For thou art
As glorious to this night, being o’er my head,
As is a winged messenger of heaven
Unto the white, upturnèd, wondering eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-puffing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air.

Juliet

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art though Romeo?
Deny they father and refuse they name.
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

Modern

Romeo

(to himself) She speaks. Speak again, bright angel! For tonight you are as glorious, there up above me, as a winged messenger of heaven who makes mortals fall onto their backs to gaze up with awestruck eyes as he strides across the lazy clouds and sails through the air.

Juliet

O Romeo, Romeo! Why must you be Romeo? Deny your father and give up your name. Or, if you won’t change your name, just swear your love to me and I’ll give up being a Capulet.

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