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Q: Shakespearean language ( Answered,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Shakespearean language
Category: Arts and Entertainment
Asked by: ikatharine-ga
List Price: $5.50
Posted: 21 Apr 2006 00:27 PDT
Expires: 21 May 2006 00:27 PDT
Question ID: 721229
In Act II Scene IV of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, what does
the term 'false prints' mean / refer to?
Answer  
Subject: Re: Shakespearean language
Answered By: pinkfreud-ga on 25 Apr 2006 16:39 PDT
 
Isabella is speaking of the weaknesses of women. She says "For we are
soft as our complexions are / And credulous to false prints."

According to "The Arden Shakespeare" edition of "Measure for Measure,"
the term "false prints" may be a reference to counterfeit money or
forgeries. Someone who is "soft" and "credulous to false prints" is
impressionable, easily influenced, or gullible. Notes in the Arden
edition mention the old proverb "soft wax will take any impression."

"The Arden suggests 'Prints' for any impress, especially the stamp on
a coin. False prints... are forgeries."

Global Electronic Shakespeare Conference
http://www.shaksper.net/archives/2004/1693.html

I hope this is helpful! If anything is unclear or incomplete, please
request clarification; I'll gladly offer further assistance before you
rate my answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud
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