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Miko: annotations

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Nov 3, 2020

The original texts of the play have Brutus asking if tomorrow is “the first of March”. Modern editions change it to the ides of March to be consistent with the famous line “beware the Ides of March”. However, it might be that Shakespeare intentionally had the discrepancy. At the time this play was written, around 1599, Protestant countries such as England had a significantly different calendar than Catholic countries. At issue was a correction in the calendar ordered by Pope Gregory XIII that in 1582 the days of October 5-14 would be eliminated. Doing so corrected the calendar so it would be in sync with the solar calendar.

However, Protestant countries did not choose to follow the pope's orders, and so there was a growing discrepancy between calendars. The Ides of March was in fact approximately two weeks off between England and Catholic countries such as Italy.

Without further evidence, it's hard to say if Shakespeare made a mistake or intentionally had the innacuracy.

Nov 3, 2020

From 1571 to 1597, males ages six and up (except those of high rank) were required to wear wool caps on Sundays and official holidays. One of the purposes for the law was to support the ailing wool industry.

Nov 3, 2020

An attendant who clears a path for a procession.

Sep 23, 2020

a fence or a field

Aug 12, 2020

Someone who engages in an evil practice, especially a pimp.

Aug 1, 2020

Henry V's helmet, saddle, sword, and shield were (and still are) on display in Westminster Abbey in London. The helmet has a dent in it.

Aug 1, 2020

Mustering, also called pressing, was the practice of capturing random men in public places and forcing them to serve in the army. In 1599 over 9,000 men in England had been mustered.

Aug 1, 2020

organized militia

Jul 31, 2020

The details of the Duke's oak are never explained. It may have been a specific tree or some other kind of landmark. It might be similar to Herne's oak in “The Merry Wives of Windsor”.
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