It’s Bardfilm! I’ve taken over Shakespeare Geek (the blog, not the guy) while he’s away.
In effect, I’ve seized this bully pulpit.
Teddy Roosevelt coined the term “bully pulpit” to describe the presidency. He meant that it was a terrific (“bully”) place to deliver important messages (“pulpit”).
Shakespeare uses the word “bully” quite a bit. When I was just thinking about it, the only one I could remember was “bully Bottom!” from Midsummer Night’s Dream, but he uses it a lot in Merry Wives of Windsor—and once each in The Tempest and Henry V.
He uses the word “pulpit” in only one play. Can anyone guess which one? Hint: It sounds anachronistic, but it isn’t.
Give me your answer in the comments!
Julius Caesar JC III.i.84.1 Go to the pulpit, Brutus.
Julius Caesar JC III.i.229 And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Julius Caesar JC III.i.236 I will myself into the pulpit first,
Julius Caesar JC III.i.250 In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
Julius Caesar JC III.ii.1.1 Enter Brutus and later goes into the pulpit, and
Julius Caesar JC I.i.163 Antony comes down from the pulpit
Thanks, Lev! That’s exactly it—the only play that uses the word “pulpit.”
kj