What is the best reason why Shakespeare break the speaking rhythm in his plays? He is setting the audience up for a plot twist? He is guessing the audience needs a break from iambic pentameter rhythm? He is showing a different character is speaking? He is demonstrating something important about a character at the exact moment? Literature
1 answer
It is likely that Shakespeare breaks the speaking rhythm in his plays for a variety of reasons, rather than just one singular best reason. In some cases, he may be setting the audience up for a plot twist by changing the rhythm to create tension or surprise. Other times, he may break the rhythm to indicate a shift in character or emotion, demonstrating something important about a character at that moment. Additionally, breaking the rhythm could serve to give the audience a break from the continuous iambic pentameter, providing variation and keeping their attention engaged. Ultimately, Shakespeare's use of rhythm and language in his plays is highly nuanced and serves multiple purposes.