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What is the etymology of the word "changeling" ? I am looking for its common usage/meanings in London, England from 1600-1700. The play of that name by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley has aroused my curiosity. So far all the criticism insists that the play's name refers to the character Antonio; but I think that is inaccurate. I think the play is named for Beatrice-Joanna, but just about every character in this play could also be describted as a changeling. Posted by tlt on Jan 26, 2007. |
The Changeling Group
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I always thought it was simply a child who was left on another's doorstep. Wikipedia says it's the offspring of a fairy, troll, elf or other legendary creature that has been secretly left in the place of a human child. Posted by tal on Jan 26, 2007. |
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The character page on enotes says unequivocally that Antonio is the changeling, saying he's the "counterfeit fool" Posted by tal on Jan 26, 2007. |
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OK last answer from me :) The site cited below says that in 1610, Johnson described an oaf as: "a changeling; a foolish child" Since Antonio is pretending to be foolish.. it may follow that he is the changeling. Posted by tal on Jan 26, 2007. |
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It's not just Antonio, it is also about Beatrice. She has on the outside a pretty appearance, and a good status, but on the inside she becomes a evil personality. Her ability to hide her personailty, and the wanting for Diaphanta to take her place with Alsemero, gives another reference to the play's title. Posted by nerfertiti on Jan 17, 2008. |
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a changeling often described a deformed or disabled child.... it was thought that a demon or evil spirit replaced the 'normal' child with one that showed these attributes... changeling also describes a promiscus woman... other definitions from the Jacobean age include a person given to change, a fool or a devil in the shape of a woman (lamia) ultimately you can use the word changeling to describe any character within the play Posted by hellybaybee on Jun 12, 2008. |
