English 9
Name __________________________________
Reading Shakespeare – Blank Verse, Rhymed Verse, and Prose
Shakespeare usually wrote in a form of poetry called blank verse, or unrhymed iambic pentameter. Sometimes,
however, Shakespeare used rhymed verse, especially for romantic or heroic speeches. Furthermore, he used
couplets, two rhyming lines, often to signal a character’s exit or the end of a scene. At times, he did not use
verse at all but instead wrote prose, especially for servant’s roles and comic scenes.
Directions: Below are speeches from Act I of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. On the blanks provided, write
blank verse, rhymed verse, couplet, or prose to indicate the kind of language used in the speech. Then, try to
translate the lines into modern English – remember to read the lines from punctuation mark to punctuation
mark for meaning.
Text
Translation
1. “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
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It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
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As a rich jewel in an Ethipo’s ear –
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Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!”
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(I.iv.46-49)
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Language ______________________________________
2. “Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word
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By thee, old Capulet, and Montague
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Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets …”
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(I.i.90-92)
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Language ______________________________________
3. “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
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A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
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Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
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Do with their death bury their parents’ strife.”
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(Prologue 5-8)
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Language ______________________________________
4. “My naked weapon is out. Quarrel! I will back thee.” _____________________________________________
(I.iv.46-49)
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Language ______________________________________
5. “Her mother is the lady of the house,
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And a good lady, and a wise and virtuous.
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I nursed her daughter that you talked withal.”
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(I.v.115-117)
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Language ______________________________________
6. “Well, think of marriage now. Younger than you,
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Here in Verona, ladies of esteem,
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Are made already mothers. By my count,
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I was your mother much upon these years
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That you are now a maid.”
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(I.iii.69-73)
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Language ______________________________________
7. “Compare her face with some that I shall show,
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And I will make thee think thy swan a crow.
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(I.iii.93-94)
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Language ______________________________________