Did Shakespeare Have Corn in His Lifetime?

In the world of William Shakespeare, words had different meanings compared to how we understand them today. One particular term that evokes curiosity is "corn." In the 16th century, the word "corn" referred to any grain that could be harvested and turned into food items such as bread, cereals, and even ale, the most popular beverage in England at the time. However, when we come across the play "Coriolanus," which Shakespeare wrote in 1608 during the so-called "corn famine," we wonder what specific plant the citizens were rioting over. This article aims to unravel the mystery behind the term "corn" and explore the context in which Shakespeare and his contemporaries used it.

1. Introduction

During the turn of the 17th century, England faced a scarcity of food due to a series of crop failures caused by torrential rains in 1608. This shortage primarily impacted agricultural crops such as corn, wheat, barley, and oats, leading to a significant increase in the prices of essential food items like bread and ale. As a result, the citizens of England, already burdened by rising costs, took to the streets in protest. It is against this backdrop that Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus" opens, depicting a fictionalized riot over corn. To understand the significance of corn in Shakespeare's time, we need to explore its historical context and the various meanings it held.

2. The Meaning of "Corn" in Shakespeare's Time

In the 16th century, the word "corn" encompassed a broader range of seed-bearing plants than it does today. It referred to grains such as oats in Scotland, wheat in England, and even barley in other parts of Europe. However, the type of corn that we commonly associate with today, maize or what Native Americans called "maize," first arrived in Europe in the 15th century after its discovery by Christopher Columbus in the Americas. European colonists, unfamiliar with maize, used terms they were already familiar with, such as wheat and barley, to describe this novel grain.

3. The Arrival of Maize in Europe

The introduction of maize in Europe presented a challenge for the English language. Gerard's Herbal, a prominent botanical work published in 1597, included a diagram of what we now know as corn, accompanied by descriptions that used terms like "turkey wheat" and "wheat" interchangeably. These terms were applied to various grains, often leading to confusion. The reason behind "turkey wheat" being used for maize lies in the fact that both maize and turkeys were transported through the Ottoman Empire, also known as Turkey, which led to the adoption of these names.

4. European Struggles to Describe Maize

The struggle to describe maize accurately continued throughout the 16th century in Europe. English herbalists and authorities faced the challenge of categorizing this new food item within their existing vocabulary. The term "corn" was used as a generic term, representing any grain that could be cultivated and used for sustenance. This linguistic flexibility allowed the word "corn" to encompass various grains, further contributing to its confusion.

5. The Corn Famine of 1608

In 1608, England experienced a devastating corn famine caused by heavy rainfall that destroyed a significant portion of the country's agricultural crops. As a result, there was a severe shortage of corn, wheat, barley, and oats, which were staple crops at the time. The scarcity of these food items led to a rapid increase in their prices, creating financial hardships for the common people.

6. The Effects of the Corn Famine on Prices

The scarcity caused by the corn famine had a profound impact on the prices of basic food items. As the prices of ale and bread skyrocketed, the stockpile of these goods by the wealthy increased. The authorities issued proclamations and even delivered sermons condemning hoarding practices. However, despite these warnings, hoarding persisted, exacerbating the already dire situation and driving the prices of essential food items even higher.

7. Hoarding and Food Riots in England

The dire consequences of the corn famine led to open rebellion among the people of England. Between 1586 and 1631, the country witnessed at least 40 food riots. These riots were a direct result of the frustration and anger felt by the citizens who faced skyrocketing prices and struggled to feed themselves and their families. The opening scene of Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," written around 1608, vividly depicts a riot by the citizens due to the lack of accessible corn and the resulting hunger.

8. Shakespeare's Unique Depiction of the Riot in "Coriolanus"

While Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus" is based on Plutarch's account of the historical figure, Shakespeare adds a unique element to the opening scene. The scene reflects the turmoil and suffering Shakespeare himself witnessed during the corn famine of 1608. The words uttered by the citizens, "the gods sent not corn for the rich men only," poignantly capture the desperation and frustration felt by the populace.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare did indeed encounter the term "corn" during his lifetime, but its meaning differed from how we understand it today. Rather than exclusively referring to maize, "corn" encompassed a broader range of seed-bearing plants. In the context of the corn famine of 1608, the term "corn" specifically denoted staple grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. The scarcity of these crops due to heavy rains led to rising prices, hoarding, and widespread food riots. Shakespeare masterfully captured the essence of this tumultuous time in his play "Coriolanus," depicting the struggles and suffering of the people.

10. Resources

Highlights:

The term "corn" in Shakespeare's time referred to a range of seed-bearing plants, not just maize.
Maize arrived in Europe in the 15th century and posed linguistic challenges to English descriptions.
The corn famine of 1608 in England led to severe scarcity and rising prices of staple grains.
Hoarding practices and food riots were prevalent during this period.
Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus" reflected the real-life experiences of the corn famine.
The term "corn" in Shakespeare's context specifically denoted wheat, barley, and oats during the corn famine.

FAQ:

Q: Did Shakespeare use the term "corn" in his plays? A: Yes, he did, but the term had a broader meaning than it does today.

Q: What caused the corn famine in 1608? A: Heavy rainfall destroyed agricultural crops, resulting in a scarcity of corn, wheat, barley, and oats.

Q: How did the price of food items change during the corn famine? A: The prices of basic food items, such as ale and bread, skyrocketed.

Q: How did the shortage of corn lead to food riots? A: The scarcity and rising prices of food items caused frustration and desperation among the citizens of England, leading to open rebellion.

Q: Was Shakespeare's depiction of the riot in "Coriolanus" historically accurate? A: While the play is based on historical events, Shakespeare added his own unique perspective to reflect the contemporary corn famine.

I am an ordinary seo worker. My job is seo writing. After contacting Proseoai, I became a professional seo user. I learned a lot about seo on Proseoai. And mastered the content of seo link building. Now, I am very confident in handling my seo work. Thanks to Proseoai, I would recommend it to everyone I know. — Jean

Browse More Content