Understanding Shakespeare's Iambic Pentameter

What is one of the most important things in Shakespeare's language?

• Use of stress

• Use of punctuation

• Use of metaphors

• Use of alliteration

What is a foot in a line of verse?

• A certain number of stressed and unstressed syllables forming a distinct unit

• A certain number of beats in a musical measure

• A certain number of lines in a stanza

• A certain number of words in a sentence

What is the two-syllable long trochee?

• A stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one

• An unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one

• Two stressed syllables

• Two unstressed syllables

What is Shakespeare's favorite meter?

• Iambic pentameter

• Trochaic hexameter

• Dactylic tetrameter

• Anapestic trimeter

What is the total number of syllables in a line of iambic pentameter?

• 5

• 10

• 15

• 20

Why did Shakespeare choose iambic pentameter for emotional moments in his plays?

• Because it was easy for his actors to memorize

• Because it was easy for the audience to understand

• Because it naturally suited the English language

• Because it created a rhythmic effect

What does the rhythm of iambic pentameter resemble?

• Heartbeat

• Footsteps

• Breathing

• Drumbeat