In what form is the verb "ENTER" as in "Enter Hamlet"?
As a stage direction, such verbs as 'ENTER' or 'EXIT' are often used. For example, "Enter Romeo alone" or "Exit Juliet." Merriam Webster's Dictionary says that these verbs are in the subjunctive forms. In what way are they subjunctive? Subjunctive present? Or mandatory subjunctive? Thanks in advance.
Top answer
Rearranged, the two given sentences are: Romeo enter alone. Juliet exit. A third person singular verb in the present tense, without the characteristic s-ending of the third person singular present, is a subjunctive form, essentially: Romeo should/might/may/would enter alone.
- Rearranged, the two given sentences are: Romeo enter alone.
- Juliet exit.
- A third person singular verb in the present tense, without the characteristic s-ending of the third person singular present, is a subjunctive form, essentially: Romeo should/might/may/would enter alone.
- Juliet should/might/may/would exit.
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Rearranged, the two given sentences are: Romeo enter alone. Juliet exit. A third person singular verb in the present tense, without the characteristic s-ending of the third person singular present, is a subjunctive form, essentially: Romeo should/might/may/would enter alone. Juliet should/might/may/would exit.
0I have trouble seeing these terms as subjunctive.
exit Juliet means that Juliet definitely leaves the stage. It doesn't mean eg that she may.
exit Juliet is actually an indicative Latin sentence meaning 'Juliet exits'. We see that more clearly when the plural third-person Latin verb is used, ie exeunt , meaning they exit.
enter is not a Lat
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