Nicholas Hytner

The power of Shakespeare's theatrical prose

Shakespeare is renowned for his mastery of blank verse and poetic language, but his theatrical prose shouldn't be underestimated. In certain scenes, like the one in Henry IV Part II, where false office and Justice Shallow reminisce about their past, Shakespeare's use of prose creates a profound and emotionally impactful effect. By dropping the verse and using contemporary, straightforward prose, Shakespeare manages to cut straight to the heart of the matter and elicit a powerful response from the audience.