Shaffer, Peter: 1926 - 2016
The Royal Hunt of the Sun, 1964 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Advanced
- Vocabulary – Uses elevated, sometimes archaic and poetic words rather than modern everyday English (e.g. “Lo” – meaning “look” or “behold;” “Haply” – meaning “perhaps”).
Style – Formal and dramatic, with symbolic and metaphorical language.
Sentence Structure – Long, complex sentences that require careful reading.
Ideas – Explores abstract and philosophical themes that add to the difficulty (e.g. Cultural Clash – examining how different civilizations understand life, death, and spirituality).
- Vocabulary – Uses elevated, sometimes archaic and poetic words rather than modern everyday English (e.g. “Lo” – meaning “look” or “behold;” “Haply” – meaning “perhaps”).
- The play combines archaic vocabulary, formal poetic style, complex sentences, and abstract themes that require strong reading and critical thinking skills.