Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 2 AIL 0117 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Ye and You
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The idea
Ye was the plural subject form and you the plural object form, though the distinction had already begun to collapse by Shakespeare's time. A writer addressing one person as you rather than thou is usually marking distance or respect.
In practice
You for distance, thou for closeness.
Where people slip
The distinction erodes over the period.
Your place on the trail
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