Meaning: The quote you provided is from Stephen Greenblatt, a prominent literary critic and Shakespeare scholar. In this quote, Greenblatt is describing the prolific and groundbreaking use of language by William Shakespeare. He emphasizes the sheer volume and innovation of Shakespeare's vocabulary, characterizing it as a "volcano of words" and "an eruption of words that Shakespeare had never used before that had never been used in the English language before." Greenblatt's choice of metaphor conveys the explosive and transformative nature of Shakespeare's linguistic inventiveness.

Shakespeare is widely celebrated for his linguistic prowess and his contributions to the English language. His plays and poetry are renowned for their rich and diverse vocabulary, as well as their inventive use of language. Throughout his works, Shakespeare demonstrated a remarkable ability to coin new words, repurpose existing ones, and craft complex and evocative expressions. His mastery of language has had a profound and enduring impact on English literature and has left an indelible mark on the development of the language itself.

Greenblatt's characterization of Shakespeare's linguistic output as an "eruption of words" underscores the magnitude of Shakespeare's linguistic creativity. It suggests that Shakespeare's use of language was not merely incremental or evolutionary, but rather, it was explosive and transformative. By employing this vivid imagery, Greenblatt emphasizes the dynamic and revolutionary nature of Shakespeare's linguistic contributions.

Furthermore, Greenblatt's statement draws attention to the unprecedented nature of Shakespeare's linguistic innovations. He highlights the fact that many of the words utilized by Shakespeare had never been seen in the English language before. This underscores the extent to which Shakespeare expanded the boundaries of English vocabulary and expression. His willingness to experiment with language and introduce novel terms reflects his bold and adventurous approach to literary creation. Shakespeare's willingness to push the boundaries of linguistic convention played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of English literature and language.

In addition to his linguistic inventiveness, Shakespeare's ability to imbue his words with profound meaning and emotional resonance is a hallmark of his work. His language has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from profound sorrow to exuberant joy, and his words continue to resonate with audiences across time and culture. This enduring impact is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's linguistic legacy.

In conclusion, Stephen Greenblatt's quote encapsulates the extraordinary linguistic contributions of William Shakespeare. By characterizing Shakespeare's language as a "volcano of words" and "an eruption of words," Greenblatt underscores the explosive and transformative nature of Shakespeare's linguistic inventiveness. Shakespeare's willingness to experiment with language and introduce novel terms reflects his bold and adventurous approach to literary creation, and his enduring impact on English literature and language continues to be felt to this day.