English & Literature

Why do you think Shakespeare occasionally fiddles with the rules of iambic pentameter? What effect does this have on a reader or listener who is paying close attention?

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Last updated by Jill W
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Shakespeare didn’t always use ten syllables. He often fooled around with iambic meter to add extra color and emotion to his character’s speeches. He sometimes added an extra unstressed beat, for example, at the end of a line in order to hightlight a character's mood.