How do I properly pronounce the name "Arcite" from Shakespeare's T

Question:It's really important that I pronounce it correctly for my grad school auditions.

Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It's really important that I pronounce it correctly for my grad school auditions.

Thanks!

It's pronounced two different ways, depending on the needs of the verse: either Ar-kee-tay (rhymes with "Are we pay") or Ar-kite (last syllable rhymes with "white")--emphasis on the first syllable in either case.

You have to count up the syllables in the verse line and pick the pronunciation that makes it come out to a proper iambic pentameter: de dum de dum de dum de dum de dum, with the sneaky possibility of an extra soft syllable on the end if it's a feminine-ending line (like "To be or not to be, that is the quest-ion.")

In prose, or if you're just talking about the character in general, I would recommend the three-syllable pronunication. But your director may disagree.

If you're not sure on any particular line, I would encourage you not to stress, and just run with the three-syllable one.

Incidentally, if this is leading to a production of Kinsmen, I'd be eager to hear where and when it will be taking place. I've never had the pleasure of seeing it done live.