The Tempest Lesson Plan

Poetry and Prose in Shakespeare

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will gain an understanding of the ways that Shakespeare uses verse and prose in his writing.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.5

Structure:

Introduce the students to the structure of Shakespeare's language. Shakespeare's language generally falls into four categories:

1.) unrhymed iambic pentameter

2.) rhymed iambic pentameter

3.) other poetry

4.) prose

Explain to students that the bulk of Shakespeare's writing is in unrhymed iambic pentameter. Give the students an example of unrhymed pentameter from the reading assignment such as...