Techniques Of William Shakespeare Essay, Research Paper

Writing Style

The English language, as we know it in the modern world has changed dramatically since the dawn of the Elizabethan era. Shakespeare and many other writer’s of his time looked towards the English language as alive and changing. They did not consider it fixed for all time in a set of correct and unbreakable rules. Thus, he experimented freely with sentence structure and vocabulary to create “special effects”. He also used various literary devices to present information and ideas in a dramatic and appealing way. His style had helped shape the language

of all English-speaking countries.

Vocabulary: Shakespeare changed, invented and borrowed words from other languages to create “his” style. He even used nouns as verbs for dramatic effect. Most people of today’s society would hardly understand a word, let alone a sentence. Shakespeare also used verbs in both their modern form. For example, hath is the older form of has. He also used both modern pronouns,such as you, and older pronouns, such as thee or thou. His vocabulary basically resembles

modern English, but he used many words that are no longer used. That is why, in most adaptions of his plays, you have notes which define complicated words.

Special Literary Devices: Shakespeare and other Elizabethan writers enjoyed using rhetoric (also known as literary devices) that present a fact or idea in an interesting way. One familiar kind is alliteration where the same sound is repeated in a line or group of lines of verse. He also used the device of repetition, where words are repeated in a verse. Another device used was called antanaclasis, which means the repetition of a certain word or phrase but witch a deliberate shift in its meaning. Shakespeare enjoyed using metaphor and puns to express his views in different perspectives.

Imagery: The precision of Shakespeare’s imagery gives his writing its unique style. For example,in Macbeth, horrified by his murder of King Duncan, Macbeth looks at his bloodstained hands

and says:

“What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes!

Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood

Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather

The multitudinious seas incarnadine,

Making the green one red.”

The image of Duncan’s blood turning all the oceans blood-red reveals the sadness Macbeth feels over commiting the murder.

Verse Form: Shakespeare reinforced his imagery with the rhythm of his verse. His plays weremainly written in blank verse. Each line is divided into five units called feet, with the accent

falling on every second syllable. Through his verse, Shakespeare could create a feeling of speed and excitement or a sense of calm dignity.