ABSTRACT
Elizabethan England was flooded with new words, some derived from the Renaissance rediscovery of the classics, some from the discoveries of seafaring explorers, and some from languages on the continent of Europe. There were also violent debates over words both old and new, debates which reflected changing conditions in government, economics, and religion. Fascinated by words and their applications, Elizabethans were prepared to enjoy every kind of stylistic virtuosity in the plays they attended; sharing their fascination, Shakespeare was prepared to make the most of it in his plays.
