Launcelot and Old Gobbo’s Language Much of the humour from this scene comes from Launcelot and Old Gobbo’s malapropisms.
What is malapropism? Malapropism is the incorrect use of a word in place of a word that sounds similar. Many people use malapropisms in everyday language, for example: l
‘I pacifically told her to be there on time.’ (‘pacifically’ should be ‘specifically’) l
‘We had no fire distinguisher in the apartment.’ (‘distinguisher’ should be ‘extinguisher’)
1. Looking at Malapropisms Turn to page 20 of your portfolio to complete a short exercise on malapropisms in this scene.
P 2. Research: Malapropisms P
Pair Activity What are the most common malapropisms people use? There are numerous examples of comedies where characters mix up their words. Are there words that you commonly mix up? Discuss this with your partner and write examples on page 21 of your portfolio.
D. REFLECTING P
Character File Turn to the Character File section of your portfolio and record your impressions of (a) Bassanio (page 87) and (b) Gratiano (page 106) based on this scene.
