Language in Shakespeare

There are three types of language: Rhyming Verse Blank Verse Prose

Rhyming Verse RHYMES It USUALLY – but not always – has 10 syllables per line in the form known as IAMBIC PENTAMETER This is expressed as 5 PAIRS of syllables: Quiet/Loud/Quiet/Loud/Quiet/Loud/Quiet/ Loud/Quiet/Loud This emphasising the last syllable to bring out the rhyme

Examples of Iambic Pentameter: My horse, my horse, my kingdom for a horse – Richard III A full rhyming version: Hear it not Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell - Macbeth

Blank Verse Blank Verse has the same rhythm as rhyming verse (10 syllables, Iambic pentameter) but it does not rhyme For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name) Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel

Prose Has NO Rhythm and NO Rhyme It is usually reserved for LOW Status Characters: Comic characters Servants Fools Drunkards And USUALLY comical – but not always It can also be used by HIGH STATUS characters if they are agitated or lose their emotional control in stressful moments

Blank Verse is usually for HIGH Status Characters

Rhyming verse is often used between lovers, or in moments of plays that are “magical” or supernatural – like a chant: Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s dream Witches in Macbeth It is also often used to bring a scene to a climax and “wrap it up”, telling audience scene is finished: Hear it not Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell - Macbeth