Why Shakespeare loved iambic pentameter - David T. Freeman and Gregory Taylor
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TEDEd Animation
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Shakespeare sometimes gets a bad rap in high schools for his complex plots and antiquated language. But a quick peek into the rhythm of his words reveals a poet deeply rooted in the way people spoke in his time — and still speak today. Why do Shakespeare’s words have such staying power? David T. Freeman and Gregory Taylor uncover the power of iambic pentameter.
Think about how you speak when you are feeling a strong emotion: anger, happiness, sadness, and disappointment. In trying to express yourself, do you use specific kinds of words? Do you use short sentences or long sentences? And does your language change depending on the kind of emotion you’re feeling?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator David T. Freeman, Gregory Taylor
- Director Brad Purnell
- Sound Designer Ross Allchurch
- Script Editor Alex Gendler
- Narrator Dan Simpson
