Infected affiances

Metaphors of the word JEALOUSY in Shakespeare’s plays

Résumé

In this paper I propose an analysis of the metaphoric conceptualizations of JEALOUSY used in the bulk of Shakespeare’s plays. Following the metaphorical pattern analysis methodology, I have identified up to 53 figurative expressions for jealousy in Shakespeare’s English, which I have classified into broad conceptual areas (such as DISEASE/INSANITY, ENEMY/OPPONENT, NATURAL FORCE, WILD ANIMAL and POISON). Broadly speaking, these conceptual mappings illustrate Renaissance beliefs and ideas on jealousy, and are highly congruent with parallel studies on jealousy in Present-Day English. The most striking differences between both historical periods have to do with the lower frequency of somatic-related conceptualizations in Shakespeare’s English, where jealousy is frequently conceived of as an external force that attacks the experiencer’s body and mind. Finally, I propose a discussion of the distribution of these conceptual mappings among masculine and feminine characters in Shakespeare’s plays, where I tentatively affirm that feminine characters show a stronger tendency towards the use of embodied mappings for jealousy.