Key Terms

Here are some of the key terms that get used when talking about Shakespeare’s language, so you can look out for them in Hamlet.
  • Iambic Pentameter

    Play Iambic Pentameter Video

    Iambic pentameter is the name given to the rhythm that Shakespeare uses in his plays. The rhythm of iambic pentameter is like a heartbeat, with one soft beat and one strong beat repeated five times.

    Where will I find it in Hamlet?

    Iambic pentameter is used almost all the time in Hamlet. One good example is the first line of Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy in Act 3 Scene 1. Try counting the syllables and you can see how it works: ‘To be, or not to be, that is the question' (Hamlet, 3:1).
  • Prose and Verse

    Play Prose and Verse Video

    Shakespeare writes in a combination of prose and verse. Prose is a conversational way of speaking which doesn’t have a set rhythm or structure. Verse always has a set rhythm and structure.

    Where will I find it in Hamlet?

    Hamlet is mostly written in iambic pentameter and is 75% verse so it’s interesting to watch out for where it isn't used. For example, look out for Hamlet and Ophelia's exchanges and think about who is using prose and who is using verse and why that might be. You can tell by looking at the page in the text whether someone is speaking in prose or verse. Where it looks like a poem, Shakespeare is using verse. When it looks like writing in a book that goes the whole way across the page, he is writing in prose.
  • Rhyming Couplets

    Play Rhyming Couplets Video

    Rhyming couplets are two lines written in iambic pentameter that end in the same sound, or a rhyme. They are often used to sum up the end of a character’s speech.

    Where will I find it in Hamlet?

    A lot of characters use rhyming couplets to finish thoughts and speeches in Hamlet. Hamlet frequently uses them at the end of his big speeches. An example is as follows: 'More relative than this: the play's the thing / Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.' (Hamlet, 2:2).
  • Antithesis

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    Antithesis happens when two opposites are put together. For example, hot and cold or light and dark.

    Where will I find it in Hamlet?

    In Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy he uses antithesis when he places the ideas of life and death next to each other, discussing whether or not it's better to live or die. You can find lots of examples throughout the play, particularly when characters are working things out.

Test Yourself on language terms

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

Teacher Notes

The quick test on this page can be used in class to help students recall information about key language terms.

You may also want to use some of the activities in the videos on this page to help you explore different aspects of language with your students.