This week in class we have been talking about different elements of poetic structure, including iambic pentameter, blank verse, couplets, and more, that are present in Shakespeare’s _Hamlet_. As I have been reading _Hamlet_, I have found it fairly easy to identify these elements; however, trying to figure out why Shakespeare uses them takes a little more effort. That is why I decided to look more into why Shakespeare uses these elements in _Hamlet_.
To start, the one thing that Shakespeare uses the most out of all the elements of poetic structure is iambic pentameter. As we all know, iambic pentameter is when there are five sets of an unstressed then stressed syllable in a line. The main reason Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter is that it was a common practice in his time. It was what the people were used to and expected to hear. Also, it adds a beat to the text giving it a song-like quality. This helps the words flow well so that they just roll off of the tongue. Overall, iambic pentameter creates a more eloquent and formal speech.
Shakespeare also switches from poetry to prose many times throughout _Hamlet._ The reason for this is that the two types of writing have different connotations. While poetry shows dignity and respect, prose represents familiarity. For example, when Hamlet is speaking to those of higher class – Gertrude, Horatio, and others – he speaks in poetry.
However, when he speaks to servants or lower class friends, like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he speaks in prose. Hamlet also uses prose when speaking to those he does not respect like Claudius. In the end, the change between poetry and prose helps the audience to know how Hamlet feels towards each character.
Finally, Shakespeare ends every scene with a rhyming couplet. At first I thought that Shakespeare did this to end every scene in a way that the audience, or reader, would remember. However, through my research, I found that the rhyming couplet signals to the audience that the scene is over. Once they hear the rhyming couplet, the audience knows to listen for the next line that will explain the setting for the next scene.
Overall, the poetic structure in _Hamlet_ is very important to the telling of the story.
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I agree Katie. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the poetic structure gives importance to Hamlet's thoughts and also gives the tragedy a nicer tone. In expanding on that thought, Shakespeare also uses poetic structure to emphasize important plot elements. Which usually tend to be a the end of a scene. William Shakespeare uses this technique so that the audiance would pay more attention to the dialogue.
ReplyDeleteOh the power of words. The small detail of changing between prose and poetry could go unnoticed. However, that small detail shows Hamlet's dislike or favor that he has for who he's talking too. I especially liked Katie's comment on respect and poetry to those of a higher class, I had not thought of it like that before.
ReplyDeleteThis post immediately poses a few questions to me:
ReplyDelete-How do you know iambic pentameter was common in Shakespeare's time (sources)?
-What else do rhyming couplets do?
-How can prose to poetry switches relate to mood?
Well, since I want to leave something for future slackers to answer when they finally post, I'll answer the third question as shortly as I can. What I was getting at with this question was the part of the actual Hamlet test where we were asked about part of the gravedigger scene and the switch to poetry when the King enters (once again a sign of respect as you said). The reason for this could also be the topic change. At that point in the story, the gravediggers have been joking around about death, and the transition to the tragedy of Ophelia's death cannot be taken lightly. This is how the language changes as the mood changes, just as an example of something else poetry can do.
If you would like to answer any of the other questions I just asked or would like to ask me some, go ahead.
Poetry was used in almost all writing in one way or another back then and I believe Shakespeare really took it to the next level. I agree with Karolyn, when she says using iambic contameter and heroic couplets, Shakespeare brought out Hamlet's thoughts and the true description of the story line. With using this method Shakespeare made Hamlet a peice of art, not just a play.
ReplyDelete--- Erin Barlow