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The Renaissance: William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's Language and Style

Shakespeare's Language and Style

One of the defining features of Shakespeare's works is his unique language and style. While the English language has evolved significantly over the past few centuries, Shakespeare's writing remains accessible and beloved by many today. This is due in part to his use of innovative language and his particular style of writing.

Shakespeare's Contributions to the English Language

One of Shakespeare's most notable contributions to the English language is his creation of new words and phrases. He is credited with inventing over 1,700 words that are still in use today. Some of these words include 'bedazzled', 'fashionable', and 'uncomfortable'. Shakespeare also used a lot of metaphors and similes in his writing, which helped to make his meaning clear to his audience.

Shakespeare's Writing Style

In terms of style, Shakespeare often used iambic pentameter, which is a poetic meter consisting of ten syllables per line, with emphasis on every other syllable. This helped to give his writing a rhythmic quality that was pleasing to the ear. He also employed a lot of wordplay, such as puns and double entendres, which added depth and complexity to his writing.

Shakespeare's language and style are an integral part of his legacy, and they continue to be studied and admired by scholars and casual readers alike.

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