Keyword Guide · study-guide-general
Shakespeare coined or popularized hundreds of phrases still used today, including laughing stock. This guide breaks down its original literary context and gives you actionable tools for school assignments. Start with the quick answer to lock in the core definition.
In Shakespeare's writing, laughing stock refers to a person who is the constant object of public mockery or ridicule. The phrase appears in multiple plays, where it’s tied to characters who lose social standing or make reckless choices that invite scorn. Jot this core definition into your literature notes right now.
Next Step
Get instant context for Shakespearean phrases, character arcs, and themes to save time on homework and exam prep.
Laughing stock, as used by Shakespeare, describes a figure reduced to a source of widespread, unkind laughter. The phrase carries weight because it links mockery to loss of respect and social power, not just casual teasing. It often appears in scenes where characters’ flaws or mistakes are exposed to a group.
Next step: List three modern situations where someone might be called a laughing stock to connect the phrase to contemporary context.
Action: Find each instance of laughing stock in Shakespeare’s plays using a free literary concordance
Output: A bullet list of play titles and basic character contexts for each use
Action: Group each use by theme (reputation, power, humiliation) and note recurring character traits
Output: A 2-column chart linking phrase use to theme and character type
Action: Write two short paragraphs applying the phrase’s Shakespearean meaning to a modern media example
Output: A comparison draft ready for essay or discussion use
Essay Builder
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Action: Verify the phrase’s appearances in Shakespeare’s works using a trusted literary reference tool
Output: A list of play titles and basic scene contexts for each use of laughing stock
Action: For each appearance, note the character’s social status before and after being labeled a laughing stock
Output: A chart tracking character status shifts tied to the phrase
Action: Draft a paragraph linking the phrase’s use to one major theme in the play, such as reputation or power
Output: A polished analysis paragraph ready for class discussion or essay use
Teacher looks for: Clear grasp of how Shakespeare’s use of laughing stock differs from modern usage
How to meet it: Compare Shakespeare’s ties to social status loss to modern casual use in your analysis
Teacher looks for: Links the phrase to specific character situations in Shakespeare’s plays
How to meet it: Cite at least one play and character arc where the phrase appears, without quoting copyrighted text
Teacher looks for: Explains how the phrase supports the play’s larger themes
How to meet it: Argue that laughing stock reinforces ideas about reputation or power in your chosen play
Shakespeare uses laughing stock to mark a turning point for characters who have overstepped social bounds or revealed fatal flaws. The phrase isn’t just a throwaway insult; it signals that the character can no longer be taken seriously by their peers. List one character from your current play who fits this description and note their turning point. Use this before class discussion to contribute a concrete example.
Today, laughing stock often refers to someone who is temporarily mocked for a silly mistake. Shakespeare’s use carries heavier consequences, including loss of power, respect, or social standing. Write two sentences contrasting a modern example with a Shakespearean example. Use this before essay drafts to strengthen your context section.
Laughing stock can be used to explore themes of reputation, power, and public shame in Shakespeare’s work. When a character becomes a laughing stock, it exposes the fragility of social status in Elizabethan society. Pick one theme and draft a one-sentence argument about the phrase’s role in supporting it.
Quiz questions about laughing stock may ask for its definition, play appearances, or thematic ties. Focus on memorizing the core Shakespearean meaning and linking it to at least one specific play. Create flashcards with key facts to review in the 24 hours before your exam.
Class discussion leaders may ask how the phrase shapes audience perception of a character. Come prepared with one example of a character who becomes a laughing stock and explain how the audience’s reaction changes over time. Practice your explanation out loud to ensure it’s clear and concise.
When writing about laughing stock, avoid vague statements. Instead, tie the phrase to specific plot points and character choices. Edit your essay draft to replace general claims with concrete links to the character’s situation and the play’s themes.
In Shakespeare’s writing, laughing stock refers to a person who has become the object of widespread public mockery, usually resulting in loss of social status and respect.
The phrase appears in multiple Shakespeare plays. Use a reputable literary database to find exact titles and contexts without relying on fabricated claims.
Shakespeare’s use ties the phrase to permanent loss of social power, while modern use often refers to temporary, lighthearted teasing without lasting consequences.
Yes, you can use the phrase to analyze character arcs, themes of reputation, or social dynamics in Shakespeare’s plays. Tie it to specific play contexts to strengthen your argument.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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