If Shakespeare required a word and had not met it in civilised discourse, he unhesitatingly made it up.
Anthony Burgess highlights Shakespeare's remarkable creativity with language, emphasizing that the playwright did not shy away from inventing words. If he encountered a term he needed but found it absent in common language, Shakespeare confidently crafted his own. This illustrates not only Shakespeare's linguistic prowess but also his adventurous spirit in exploring and expanding the English language.
Burgess's reflection sheds light on the broader truth about language—it is dynamic and constantly evolving. Shakespeare's willingness to innovate has left a lasting impact on English, enriching its vocabulary and expression. His legacy serves as a reminder that language is not just a tool for communication, but also an art form that benefits from creativity and imagination.
