Rhythm is an important part of popular music. Ask students to choose a song that they like and identify how the musician or group creates rhythm. Things like the base line are important. Provide groups of students with popular lyrics and ask them to identify the rising and falling pattern of stresses.
For more able students provide a handout that explains iambus, trochee, anapaest and dactyl.
Ask them to see if there is a pattern created by the stressed and unstressed syllables and also whether the pattern fits any of the traditional forms. Explain that it is a problem solving exercise and the aim is to think about the way in which words rise and fall to give meaning to the words, to provide emphasis, atmosphere and pace.
Create a two column table.
In the first column identify the ways in which modern songs create rhythm and pace. Discuss also what the effect of this might be on the song and on the listener.
In the second column identify the way in which Shakespeare uses language to create rhythm and pace.
Identify similarities and differences.
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