Name_________________________________

Scanning Key Terms

The Tempest scansion

the analysis of verse to show its
meter

meter
Instructions: After reviewing the key terms and scansion symbols
the rhythmic pattern of stressed and
provided, scan each set of lines below from Act III, Scene 1, and indicate unstressed syllables in verse
the speaker.
Each line should have 5 stressed syllables and 5 metrical feet (iambic iambic pentameter
pentameter). a line of verse with 5 metrical feet,
each with one unstressed syllable
Tip: When reading verse aloud, changing the pace to read faster or slower can
followed by one stressed syllable.
sometimes help the rhythm stand out more clearly.
(da-DUM)
Scansion Symbols feet
symbol function Small groups of stressed and
/ To mark the stressed syllable in each foot unstressed syllables

| To divide the feet in each line

/ / / / /
1. Work not | so hard. | I would | the light | ning had

2. Burnt up those logs that you are enjoin’d to pile!

3. Pray set it down, and rest you. When this burns

Speaker: __________________

4. O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound

5. And crown what I profess with kind event

Speaker: ____________________

6. And all the more it seeks to hide itself,

7. The bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning,

8. And prompt me, plain and holy innocence!

Speaker: ____________________

9. So glad of this as they I cannot be,

10. Who are surpris’d withal; but my rejoicing

Speaker: ____________________