Here are some of the key terms that get used when talking about Shakespeare’s language, so you can look out for them in King Lear.
Shakespeare writes in a combination of
prose and verse. Verse is like poetry and it has a set
structure and rhythm. The rhythm Shakespeare uses in his plays is called iambic pentameter, which is like a
heartbeat, with one strong beat and one soft beat repeated
five times. Sometimes it’s also interesting to look at lines that don’t match the rhythm of iambic pentameter and to think about why.
In Shakespeare’s plays you will find examples of antithesis, which is when two
opposites are put together, like hot and cold or light and
dark. Characters also often end speeches with rhyming
couplets, which are two lines written in
iambic pentameter that end in the same
sound, or a rhyme.
Prose
The style of writing you might find in a book.
Take another look at the definitions
Structure
Another word for organise or lay out.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of verse
Iambic
This word comes from the Latin word iam meaning beat.
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Heartbeat
The rhythm you feel in your chest, like a pulse.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of iambic pentameter
Five
The Latin word for this number is ‘pent’.
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Opposites
Another word for completely different things.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of antithesis
Dark
The total opposite of light.
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Couplets
Another word for when two lines are coupled together.
Take another look at the definitions
Iambic Pentameter
The name for the rhythm Shakespeare writes in.
Take another look at your third answer and the definitions
Sound
Another word for something you hear.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of rhyming couplets