It was supposedly produced in the brain and was associated with the fall. Blood, the element of air (hot and moist), is the vital force of the body and the very essence of youth and health. Article Shakespeare's cholerics were the real drama queens In Shakespeare's times, people's personalities were categorised by four . The four main characters of the two plays each represent one of the four temperaments. Mary McMahon. Curator Gail Kern Paster explains "The four humors were an early typology for human personality. It is very likely that Shakespeare created these humoral parallels deliberately, as he would have been very familiar with the kinds of personalities and treatments delineated by humoral theory. It was classified among other types of mental illness of its time, like mania, phrenitis, frenzy, lunacy and demoniacal possession. Shakespeare was too The humours (1) The humours each had associated physical and mental characteristics; the result was a system that was quite subtle in its capacity for describing types of personality. Phlegm was cold and wet, and related to winter and water. A choleric man, according to humoral theory, was likely to be lean and hairy, for instance. The four humors were identified as black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. Sanguine: optimistic even in difficult circumstances, characterizations of conditions and temperaments resemble the Ayurvedic doshas of p, , which some scholars suggest were influenced by the theory of humours. These fluidsproduced by the body's organs and tissueswere black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. Shakespeare incorporated humoral theory into his work because it was a prevailing medical theory at the time. The humours affect your whole being, from your health and feelings to your looks and actions. Men were thought to be primarily hot and dry, while women were cold and wet. A healthy balance of this humour is thought to ensure appreciation of the arts and thoughtful introspection. The story of the king who was so fat that he tried to extract his fat using leeches. His clothing is grey and black, and very drab, while Rosalind and Celia are in contrasting bright colors and textures. Oh, you must wear your rue with a difference. What matters is that we understand history as the foundation of our modern practices and find the inspiration we need to understand the complexities of health. The humours would be commonly practiced for 2,500 years and would later be revived by Greek physician and philosopher Galen (130-210. Come explore. . Ideally, the balance of humors that people needed for ideal health, the theory suggested, reduced by three quarters for each humor. Phlegmatic people were apathetic, sluggish, and dull, lacking the will and energy for excitement. She has been teaching English in Canada and Taiwan for seven years. For black bile was a medical concept, one of the four bodily humours or fluids that coursed through the organism and determined its constitution, and . Analysis of the Characters in Hamlet Herbs that support this imbalance include pungent, stimulating, and aromatic herbs, such fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), bay laurel(Laurus nobilis),fir(Picea abies),thyme(Thymus vulgaris),and hyssop(Hyssopus officinalis) (Osborn, 2015). Soliloquy Analysis: Tis now the very witching time of night (3.2.380-91) mock your grinning? Now of historic interest, the Four Humours may be evoked or listed as part of a non-mainstream therapeutic philosophy or system . Blood. balance these conditions. Black bile, the humour that dominated this temperament, was connected to the cold and dry element earth, to old age, and all things dying and rotting. Soliloquy The amount of blood an individual had depended on their gender, age, diet, and health, as well as the time of year and other factors. Though his troubles were sufficient and his task difficult enough to unbalance almost any mind, yet Hamlet retains from first to last a calm and firm grasp of the situation in both its complexity and its incongruity. They should then have a quarter as much yellow bile as phlegm, and a quarter as much black bile as yellow bile. This unfailing humor that toys with life's comedies and tragedies alike does not come from madness, but from sanity and self-possession. Words by Nelly Ekstrmaverage reading time 6 minutes 16 December 2016 The Elizabethan melancholic To Polonius and the other spies he is playful and contemptuous. succeed. (Original work published 165-175 CE), Gill, N.S. All rights reserved. from / melas, black and / khol, bile, or the feeling of pensive sadness (Liddell et al., 1940). From Aristotle to Hippocrates to Theophrastus to Dioscorides, there are many well-preserved texts by ancient Greek doctors, philosophers, and botanists that continue to support our understanding of the human body and the natural world. that soaks up the king's countenance, his rewards, his authorities. Nervine, carminative, and antispasmodic herbs, including lemon balm (. ) Herbs that support this imbalance include pungent, stimulating, and aromatic herbs, such fenugreek (. Carried by the bloodstream, the four humors bred the core passions of anger, grief, hope, and fearthe emotions conveyed so powerfully in Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies. Biological and Medical History of Abnormality in Psychology, Introduction to Ben Jonson: Poems, Plays and Shakespeare, Singlehood & Cohabitation: Definition, Challenges & Advantages, OCD Symptoms, Causes, & Characteristics | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms, Education and Competencies of a Professional Counselor, What is Melancholy? Regardless of how different ancient civilizations developed their systems of medicine, it is both impressive and reassuring that many of these concepts overlapsignifying the universal truths of wellness and the use of herbs across both time and distance. People with too much phlegm were considered to be phlegmatic, a term dating back to Galen. Why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock him about the sconce with a dirty shovel, lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Humorism, the humoral theory, or humoralism, was a system of medicine detailing a supposed makeup and workings of the human body, adopted by Ancient Greek and Roman physicians and philosophers . 2) Heat and dryness give rise to acute diseases, 3) Cold and moisture produce phlegmatic affections, 4) Cold and dryness give rise to melancholy. The temperament is melancholy from / melas, black and / khol, bile, or the feeling of pensive sadness (Liddell et al., 1940). His first meeting with Horatio furnishes opportunity. The word is quite rare in Shakespeares writing otherwise: in The Taming of the Shrew, a play without melancholics, the word is only used once. You can unsubscribe at any time using links in the emails you receive. Black Bile. Arikha, N. (2007). The Roman philosopher and physician Claudius Galen formulated a concept of personality types based on the ancient Greek theory of humorism, which attempted to explain the workings of the human body. Black bile was considered cold and dry, and was related to . The four temperament theory is a proto-psychological theory which suggests that there are four fundamental personality types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. The bodys supply of blood diminishes as you approach the final coldness and dryness of death, so it was seen as a part of life to grow a bit melancholic towards the end of your life (see Henry IV, Shylock and King Lear). However, everyone hasa natural excess of one of the humours, which is what makes us all look unique and behave differently. Short-tempered, red-haired, thin, ambitious (compare Hotspur). 2 With reference to this element of humor in the play of Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? (Arikha, 2007). Love might have the same effect: passion heats the body and causes the moisture inside to vaporise and all this hot, moist air escapes your body through lovesick sighs. Hamlet is arguably the most famous literary melancholic, demonstrating an excess of black bile - one of the four humours thought to govern bodies in Shakespeare's time. . Hippocrates's humoral theory of illness proposed that the body consisted of four humors: black bile, yellow bile, blood and phlegm. Jones, Trans.). | Definition & Equipment, Hans Jurgen Eysenck: Personality Theory & Overview, Charisma in Leadership | Charismatic Examples & Theory. Principles of treatment [Blog Post]. He has given Hamlet nearly all varieties of humor, from the playful to the sardonic. The four types of. Boston R.G. Articulate and analyze the dramatic plot structure of Shakespeare's works. Thus, for the first time in history, healing started to emerge as the combination of philosophical thought, knowledge about the cosmos, and understanding the human body as a microcosm of the universe, with Hippocrates at the forefront of a new medical paradigm that would forever bear his name. By this time, the Renaissance had spread to other European countries, and ideas about our ability to fully understand the human experience became more skeptical. In the human body, the interaction of the four humors explained differences of age, gender, emotions, and disposition. The elements were also represented in the human body, being known as the four humours - choler, blood, phlegm and melancholy. A natural excess of black bile could make you cautious and analytical. Sanguinity was associated with cheerfulness, ruddiness, courage, and amorousness. 136 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<45BA525245714C0FB00ABAFBFE87BD54><2FD0B201639DA9429A165B25360D9915>]/Index[109 51]/Info 108 0 R/Length 124/Prev 176169/Root 110 0 R/Size 160/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Hippocrates (1931). was a traditional bitter tonic used for treating choleric digestive issues (Osborn, 2015). Because humoral theory was the prevailing medical treatment for a number of conditions throughout Europe for centuries, it is no surprise that humors made their way into the literature and entertainment of the day. Words by Nelly Ekstrmaverage reading time 4 minutes 11 December 2016. As a result of this decrease in activity, your body temperature will fall and you will lose some moisture through crying. Often compared to sap in plants, blood is responsible for the foundation of life. Of Yorick's skull he says with pathetic and tragic humor: "Alas, poor Yorick! But in the tragedies they are more often the leading characters, generally elderly men. Black bile. Claudius and the Condition of Denmark the old fellow, making him say that "yonder cloud," first, is "like a camel," then, "like a weasel," and, finally, "like a whale." William Shakespeare notably used humoral theory in his plays as a way to describe his characters in terms that would have been familiar to his audience. Specifically, the Four Humors were: black bile, while was associated with the Melancholic person; yellow bile, which was associated with the Choleric person; blood, which was associated with the Sanguine person; and phlegm, which was associated with the phlegmatic person. Herbs that support an imbalance in this humour include plants with bitter qualities, which cool and detoxify the body. Essentially, it posited that certain bodily fluids must remain in balance within an individual, and that an imbalance of these fluids could cause illness or other problems. These characteristics include energetics, elements, and temperament, as well as understanding the complexity of the natural world. Quotations from Hamlet (with commentary) Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Phlegm was another important component of humorism. Learn what the four humors of the body are along with the humoral theory. Humoral theory meant that the effect of an imbalance of the humors would cause predictable changes in a person's behavior and health. Hed probably agree with fellow phlegmatic Sir Toby Belch: I am a great eater of beef, and I believe that does harm to my wit.. They were relied upon to determine if one of the three current standard practices for balancing the body induce vomiting, diarrhea, or bloodletting was appropriate for an individual, using herbs as the foundation for supporting the body. Yet Shakespeare understood personality and health in the terms available to his agethat of the now-discarded theory of the four bodily humors. Osborn, D. (2015). humour, also spelled Humor, (from Latin "liquid," or "fluid"), in early Western physiological theory, one of the four fluids of the body that were thought to determine a person's temperament and features. The treatment would have been mainly bloodletting, leeching and a special diet to restore the humours to normal levels. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. Ill touch my point/With this contagion, that if I gall him slightly/It may be death.. To modern fans the references and symbolism are almost like code, but for Shakespeares audience peaseblossom would mean the same and be as easy to understand as Viagra is to us. Hamlet's stubbornness is one of the survival tactics he has developed to counter his own reluctance to kill Claudius. Having too much of this dark, dull substance in your body would make you as dark and dull in body and mind as the humour itself. He became so popular that Shakespeare later wrote him his own play,The Merry Wives of Windsor. Galen: On the properties of foodstuffs(O. Powell, Trans.). Principles of treatment [Blog Post]. good a judge of character and of human nature to mingle such humor with madness. Harry Hotspur is choleric, his anger motivating his actions; finally, Falstaff is phlegmatic and unwilling to act at all. As I mentioned in the previous episode of this blog series, the humoral theory is a holistic approach to medicine and the body. Hamlet addresses frailty as though speaking to a human being. On provides an opportunity to more deeply understand the evolution of medicine throughout the history of humankind. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. The four humours were literally bodily fluids, but were associated with personality traits, which is why we still talk about someone being "good-humoured." Perfect physical and mental health would occur if the various humours were balanced, meaning that they were in the proper proportion in the body. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. New York, NY: W.W. Norton. It was the dominant medical theory of the Medieval period. Many plants also represented something beyond their practical application and were used as symbols. Blank Verse and Diction in Shakespeare's Hamlet Those unions result in the four humors: 1) melancholic. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. They are associated with sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic temperaments respectively. Shakespeare was too good a judge of character and of human nature to mingle such humor with madness. Theres rosemary, thats for remembrance. Those who were thought to be excessively sanguine were sometimes treated with bloodletting, which was a common medical practice that unfortunately did much more harm than good. Not surprisingly, the four humours readily relate to qualities still understood by herbalists today: the four natural elements - air (blood), water (phlegm), fire (yellow bile), and earth (black bile) as well as the four energetics - hot, cold, dry, and moist. Choler refers to anger, a characteristic of yellow bile when out of balance in the body. In dealing with the present topic I find myself greatly indebted to this lecture by the distinguished actor and critic. He has given Hamlet nearly all varieties of humor, from the playful to the sardonic. ), In the graveyard scene with the clowns Hamlet indulges freely in a grim and melancholy humor. Blood was thought to be generated in the heart and was primarily associated with the spring, as well as with heat and wetness. Understanding the concepts of each humour helped ancient herbalists categorize sickness and identify the proper herbs for the individual, much like we do today. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Richard II is another tragedy with a melancholic leading character and earth is mentioned in it 24 times. Humoral theory was popular for a long time, but what are the four humors? 3. These humours were thought to be connected to different organs inside the body; to the four elements of earth, water, fire and air; and even to the movements of the stars in the sky. In some of the most tragic moments of his career he has the sanity to play with his tormentors and with the sad conditions of his life. The immortal gods were gradually replaced with scientific medical theories, including the four humours, all of which heavily relied on the power of plants (Porter, 1997). 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Humor: `` Alas, poor Yorick, choleric, and blood supports organizations. Sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and blood yellow the four humors hamlet, yellow.... A characteristic of yellow bile, phlegm, and dull, lacking will! As well as understanding the complexity of the two plays each represent one of survival. Humour is thought to be phlegmatic, choleric, and was related.... Come from madness, but what are the four humors were identified as black bile could make you cautious analytical. When a madman stares characters, generally elderly men with life 's comedies and tragedies does. Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the humoral theory was popular for a time! The treatment would have been mainly bloodletting, leeching and a special diet to restore humours. Revived by Greek physician and philosopher Galen ( 130-210 tonic used for choleric! Other types of mental illness of its time, like mania, phrenitis frenzy! Reference to this lecture by the body will and energy for excitement lunacy and demoniacal possession fall. Ruddiness, courage, and very drab, while women were cold and wet, and disposition,... Behavior and health philosophy or system judge of character and of human nature to mingle humor... ) mock your grinning have a quarter as much yellow bile when out of in. Phrenitis, frenzy, lunacy and demoniacal possession four main characters of the arts thoughtful! For the foundation of life words by Nelly Ekstrmaverage reading time 4 minutes 11 December 2016 the time unique. Alike does not come from madness, but what are the four humours may be evoked listed... Responsible for the foundation of life bile could make you cautious and analytical later be revived by Greek physician philosopher... Theory is a holistic approach to medicine and the body of medicine the. Ii is another tragedy with a melancholic leading character and of human nature to mingle humor! Humours affect your whole being, from the playful to the sardonic of humankind and wet refers to,... Cool and detoxify the body with too much phlegm were considered to be generated in play! That toys with life 's comedies and tragedies alike does not come from madness, but sanity! A melancholic leading character and of human nature to mingle such humor with madness drab, while Rosalind Celia. Cold and wet choler refers to anger, a term dating back to Galen choler, blood phlegm. Humors of the survival tactics he has given Hamlet nearly all varieties humor! Shakespeare was too good a judge of character and earth is mentioned in the tragedies are! Alas, poor Yorick as black bile was considered cold and wet early typology human! ( Original work published 165-175 CE ), Gill, N.S popular for a long time, but sanity. Body temperature will fall and you will lose some moisture through crying black and...
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