[Grammar] He who knows not somebody

[kite]

Hi teachers,
While reading a book of Shakespeare I came across a grammar pattern that is new to me.

'He who knows not Shakespeare is ignorant of.............. '

My problem is 'knows not' is totally new to me and I do not get that pattern.

But I believe it cal also be written as 'He who doesn't know Shakespeare is........ '

The problem is I am not familiar with the first phrase.

Your comment would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi teachers,
While reading a book of Shakespeare I came across a grammar pattern that is new to me.

'He who knows not Shakespeare is ignorant of.............. '

My problem is 'knows not' is totally new to me and I do not get that pattern.

But I believe it cal also be written as 'He who doesn't know Shakespeare is........ '

The problem is I am not familiar with the first phrase.

Your comment would be appreciated.

Thanks.

It's archaic English from before the adoption of the auxiliary "does(n't)".

 

[kite]

In the present day, we cant see that kind of grammar rule, right?

 

[bhaisahab]

In the present day, we cant see that kind of grammar rule, right?

It would not be natural in modern English.

 

[Tdol]

You may come across it occasionally, but when people use it, they are consciously using an old form for rhetorical effect, so you might find it in a formal speech, for instance.

 

[SoothingDave]

You may come across it occasionally, but when people use it, they are consciously using an old form for rhetorical effect, so you might find it in a formal speech, for instance.

"Ask not what your country can do for you..."

 

[Tdol]

That was the one that came to mind first.

 

[MikeNewYork]

My favorite use of this construction is: “He who knows not and knows not he knows not: is a fool - shun him. He who knows not and knows he knows not: is simple - teach him. He who knows and knows not he knows is asleep - wake him. He who knows and knows he knows is wise - follow him.”

 

[kite]

Mike:-D. I like your construction. Anyway, people who do not know this case may think these kinds of usage are wrong, incorrect or ungrammatical. I came across it in a book called complete works. It must have been written two or three centuries ago. I am not sure.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Mike:-D. I like your construction. Anyway, people who do not know this case may think these kinds of usage are wrong, incorrect or ungrammatical. I came across it in a book called complete works. It must have been written two or three centuries ago. I am not sure.

Yes, it is old. But I don't think we should throw out the baby with the bath water.

 

[Rover_KE]

I came across it in a book called 'Complete Works'. It must have been written two or three centuries ago. I am not sure.

Whose 'Complete Works'?

 

[kite]

William Shakespeare's.

 

[Tdol]

This edition appears to be from the 1930s- there are many copies on sale on eBay with the same text.