Shakespeare's poetic style

   Ø  Use of iambic pentameter

   Ø  Poetry is not regular

   Ø  Variety of pattern within the framework of iambic pentameter

   Ø  Use of blank verse à unrhymed verse written in iambic pentameter

   Ø  Good deal of rhyme

   Ø  In Shakespeare's early plays verse is more regular and end-stopped lines are more frequent

   Ø  Romeo and Juliet:

a)     Shakespeare is more flexible and experimental in the use of iambic pentameter;

b)     End-stopped lines are less frequent, but more frequent is the use of enjambment;

   Ø  Othello:

a)     Blank verse;

b)     Often use of midline caesuras to emphasize his plan-speaking manner;

c)     Othello's emotional stress is expressed in enjambment;

   Ø  Hamlet and Macbeth à blank verse

   Ø  Shakespeare is more experimental and not afraid to break the rules for dramatic purposes.