1. Shakespeare’s Language It’s Not As Difficult As It Seems

2. Shakespeare Wrote In Poetry Poetry Concentrated language Concentrated language Also called verse Also called verse Prose Prose Ordinary, everyday language

3. Poetry Used by Shakespeare Shakespeare’s poetry used metrical writing Shakespeare’s poetry used metrical writing Meter – regular rhythmic pattern in language Meter – regular rhythmic pattern in language “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” This is written in blank verse or unrhymed iambic pentameter This is written in blank verse or unrhymed iambic pentameter

4. Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter Unrhymed – the words at the end of the line do not rhyme Unrhymed – the words at the end of the line do not rhyme Iamb – a unit of speech that contains one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable Iamb – a unit of speech that contains one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable Iamb = unstressed, stressed Iamb = unstressed, stressed Stressed = emphasized Stressed = emphasized Unstressed = not emphasized Unstressed = not emphasized

5. Example Iamb: unstressed, stressed Iamb: unstressed, stressed “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” Pay attention to syllables, not words Pay attention to syllables, not words

6. Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter Iambic = contains iambs Iambic = contains iambs Pentameter = 5 metrical feet or iambs Pentameter = 5 metrical feet or iambs Unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed Unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed; unstressed, stressed

7. Different Language for Different Characters Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter or Blank Verse was used for most of the characters in Shakespeare’s plays. Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter or Blank Verse was used for most of the characters in Shakespeare’s plays. Rhyming Couplets were used by mythical or magical creatures. Rhyming Couplets were used by mythical or magical creatures. Prose was used by less important characters or those who were considered not very intelligent. The Mechanicals speak in prose in MSND. Prose was used by less important characters or those who were considered not very intelligent. The Mechanicals speak in prose in MSND.