Introduction to Shakespeare

Poetry—concentrated language consisting of rhythm and sound Prose—everyday language

Metrical Writing Meter—regular rhythm in language Broken into Syllables: U Unstressed / Stressed Iamb—a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable (U) followed by a stressed syllable ( / )

This above all to thine own self be true.

U / U / U / U / This above all to thine own self U / be true.

U / U / U / U / This above all to thine own self U / be true.

Pentameter Penta—5 Meter—regular rhythm in language Pentameter—a regular rhythm reoccurring five times in one line of poetry Iambic Pentameter—A line of poetry consisting of five iambs

Blank Verse Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter The last a line of poetry consisting of word of five iambs each line doesn’t rhyme

Analyzing Characters What they say What others say about them What they do

The imaginative depiction of a tragic figure Tragedy The imaginative depiction of a tragic figure

Tragic Figure Noble figures Reversal of fortune Endures extreme suffering Comes to a catharsis—a purging of emotion and come to a noble end Recognizes consequences for actions and takes responsibility Intellectually enlarging, ennobling, and uplifting

Aside—In drama, a sort of speech spoken by a character in an undertone, or directly, to the audience. It is not meant to be heard by the other characters on stage but only by the audience. Monologue—an extended speech given by one character. The other characters are aware of what is being said. Soliloquy—a speech given by a character alone on stage or apart from the other characters. It is used to summarize actions, foreshadow events, reveal thoughts (or emotions), and clarify emotions. The other characters do not hear what the character is saying.