The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 17.0922  Thursday, 19 October 2006

From: 		Sam Small <
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Date: 		Wednesday, 18 Oct 2006 10:56:42 +0100
Subject: 	The Demise of the Coward

Still seeking irrefutable proof of Shakespeare the universal writer for 
all time I happened upon an old word.  This word being "coward".  UK 
news has recently highlighted the families of WW1 veterans shot for 
cowardice in the face of the enemy.  They want, no less, than for the 
stain of cowardice to removed from their relatives' names.

A RhymeZone search reveals 149 instances of the word, or derivatives, in 
the plays and poems.  A high count, I think.  But what has happened to 
the 'coward concept'?  'Brave' still stands tall in our society but 
coward no more.  Is a lack of courage viewed with sympathy today but 
derision 400 years ago?  Are there no cowards left?

SAM SMALL

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