Here are some of the key terms that get used when talking about Shakespeare’s language, so you can look out for them in The Comedy of Errors.
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 soft beat and one strong 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 prose & verse definitions
Structure
Another word for organise or lay out.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of verse
Iambic
This words comes from the Latin word iam meaning beat.
Take another look at the iambic pentameter definitions
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’.
Take another look at the definition of iambic pentameter
opposites
Another word for completely different things.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of antithesis
Dark
The total opposite of light.
Take another look at the definition of antithesis
Couplets
Another word for when two lines are coupled together.
Take another look at the definition of rhyming couplets
Iambic Pentameter
The name for the rhythm Shakespeare writes in.
Take another look at your third answer and take another look at the definitions.
Sound
Another word for something you hear.
Take another look at Nia’s definition of rhyming couplets