Glossary of words used in Shakespeare:
Simply click the letter it starts with!
Shakespeare writes either in blank verse, in rhymed verse or in prose.
Blank verse - verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameters. Has a noticeable rhythm.
Iambic pentameter - Technical term for the rhythm used in Shakespeare's verse.
'de-dum' x 5 makes a line of iambic pentameter.
EG: So LONG as MEN can BREATHE or EYES can SEE
Shakespeare's sonnets and the major part of his plays are written in iambic pentameter and this use of a set rhythm creates verse.
Rhymed verse – While blank verse forms the basis of Shakespeare’s writing, he often uses rhyme. Usually to close a scene or to suggest what will come next. Shakespeare uses rhyme and a variety of rhythm patterns to distinguish special characters such as the witches in Macbeth and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Rhyme is a clue to a character or situation. It is always helpful to ask why Shakespeare is using rhyme at a particular point and what effect it has.
Prose - written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.
Blank verse - verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameters. Has a noticeable rhythm.
Iambic pentameter - Technical term for the rhythm used in Shakespeare's verse.
'de-dum' x 5 makes a line of iambic pentameter.
EG: So LONG as MEN can BREATHE or EYES can SEE
Shakespeare's sonnets and the major part of his plays are written in iambic pentameter and this use of a set rhythm creates verse.
Rhymed verse – While blank verse forms the basis of Shakespeare’s writing, he often uses rhyme. Usually to close a scene or to suggest what will come next. Shakespeare uses rhyme and a variety of rhythm patterns to distinguish special characters such as the witches in Macbeth and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Rhyme is a clue to a character or situation. It is always helpful to ask why Shakespeare is using rhyme at a particular point and what effect it has.
Prose - written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure.