Writing about language

Everything is crafted for effect


When quoting a line it is worth mentioning the dramatic conventions and why

Dialogue
Idiolect - a character's particular way of speaking - evidenced in dialogue


Blank verse - rhythm to it - regular rhythm - pentameter (often Iambic)
'Blank' because it is non rhyming
Prose - no syllable count just to the end of the page

• Conventionally/often high ranking characters would speak in blank verse
• Lower characters and comedy would be in prose
• Caliban is an exception - most of time prose - but at times (when reflecting) in blank verse - gives a more considered tone

Length of turns
Long turn purpose

• Fill in backstory, exposition
• Thinking aloud
• Pace

Short turns purpose

• Conflict, argument
• Humour (often similar to an argument)
• Faster pace

Shakespeare switches the pace to keep the audience engage


The difference between a monologue and a soliloquy

• If just a character is thinking out loud alone to no one other than the audience it is a soliloquy
• If other characters a re there to hear it is a monologue