The reality is that:
* Noble characters in Shakespeare's plays often spoke in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). This was considered the most elevated and dignified form of speech.
* Commoners and lower-class characters usually spoke in prose. This reflected their lower social status and less formal education.
Here are the reasons why Shakespeare employed this distinction:
* Social hierarchy: The use of different speech styles reflected the social hierarchy of Elizabethan England. Nobility was seen as refined and eloquent, while commoners were considered more practical and less polished in their language.
* Character distinction: Different speech patterns helped to clearly distinguish between characters of different social standing. This enhanced the play's realism and allowed audiences to quickly understand the social dynamics at play.
* Poetic beauty: Iambic pentameter, with its rhythmic structure, was considered a beautiful and sophisticated form of language. It provided a sense of grandeur and heightened the importance of the noble characters' speeches.
* Dramatic effect: Shifting between verse and prose created a dynamic and engaging theatrical experience. The use of prose for commoners often added humor or realism to the dialogue, while the use of verse for nobility emphasized the dramatic weight of their words.
However, it's important to note that:
* Not all noble characters spoke in verse all the time. Sometimes a noble character might speak in prose to show anger, grief, or other intense emotions.
* Not all commoners spoke in prose all the time. Certain commoners, like those who were well-spoken or educated, might use verse occasionally.
Ultimately, Shakespeare's choice of speech patterns was a deliberate artistic decision that helped to create a richer and more nuanced theatrical experience for his audiences.