Shakespeare's Language

Shakespeare's Language

By Sharon Harris

Poll

Why did Shakespeare use different forms of language in his plays?

• To avoid discrimination

• To distinguish between social classes

• To make his plays more entertaining

Shakespeare usually wrote in a form of poetry called blank verse, rhymed verse, and prose.

Blank means "unrhymed"

used by characters in authority like Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet​ or their parents.

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Blank Verse

​Prince Escalus

Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word

By thee, old Capulet, and Montague

Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets.​

Subject | Subject

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Used for Romantic or heroic speeches. Contains Iambic pentameter or a group of syllables that follow a particular pattern of stress.

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​Rhymed Verse

Iambic Pentameter

​an ‘iamb’ is a foot or beat consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable; ‘Penta’ means five--five sets of stressed syllables and unstressed syllables.

​ For example, deLIGHT, the SUN, forLORN, one DAY, reLEASE

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Rhyme verse (Iambic Pentameter)

Oh, SHE doth TEACH the TORches TO burn BRIGHT!

It SEEMS she HANGS upON the CHEEK of NIGHT

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​Iambic Pentameter

Ordinary written or spoken language​

Used for servant or comic scenes​

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Prose​

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Sampson: a servant of the Montagues

My naked weapon is out. Quarrel ! I will back thee. ​

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Let's answer some questions now​

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Multiple Choice

Which one is used for the servants' language?

• blank verse

• rhyme verse

• prose

Multiple Choice

Blank verse was used by those in authority.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Madam, an hour before the worshipped sun

Peered forth the golden window of the East

Lord Montague to his wife

The following lines are an example of

• Blank verse

• Rhyme Verse

• Prose

Multiple Choice

If I profane with my unworthiest hand

This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this:

My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand

To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

These lines are an example of?

• Blank verse

• Rhyme verse

• prose