What is a 'foot' in the context of poetry, as explained in the video?

A foot is a certain number of stressed and unstressed syllables forming a distinct unit in a line of verse.

Explain the significance of iambic pentameter in Shakespeare's works, according to the video.

Iambic pentameter is significant because Shakespeare used it to express heightened emotions and introspective thoughts of his characters.

I am a pirate with a wooden leg.

The video suggests that the rhythm of iambic pentameter mirrors the rhythm of a heartbeat.

Grade 17 · ELA · 55 min

I can analyze the structural and historical evolution of the sonnet form.

TED-Ed · 5:22

Why Shakespeare loved iambic pentameter - David T. Freeman and Gregory Taylor

3 key concepts

1
Shakespeare was a poet who used stress to emphasize certain syllables in words.
2
An iamb is a two-syllable foot where the first syllable is unstressed and the second is stressed, as in the phrase 'I am'.
3
Iambic pentameter is a meter where each line of verse has five iambs, totaling ten syllables.

12 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“What is iambic pentameter, and why did the video suggest Shakespeare used it?”

Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:

Teacher GuideComplete lesson plan

Student DocPrintable student handouts

SlidesReady-to-use presentation