Final answer:
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter to lend a natural flow to his language, indicate literary significance, denote social distinctions, and infuse his work with engaging rhetorical devices. The rhythm and structure of this meter made his words more memorable and performable, enhancing the overall impact of his plays and sonnets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shakespeare employed iambic pentameter in his works for several reasons. This poetic meter, which consists of five sets of iambs - an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one, mimicking the sound of a heartbeat - was well-suited for the English language and had a natural flow that made it easier to memorize and perform.
In addition, its use was a signal to the audience of the literary significance of his work and the genre, whether it be a poem or a play. Distinguishing characters of different social classes was also effected through this meter; upper-class characters often spoke in iambic pentameter, while commoners spoke in prose.
Moreover, Shakespeare's writing showcased inverted syntax to conform to iambic pentameter, leading to lines that were not only euphonic but also rich in meaning. This choice of meter also facilitated the use of rhetorical devices, like alliteration and onomatopoeia, making the dialogue more engaging and assisting the audience in staying focused.
The rhythm of the lines in iambic pentameter could be interrupted to emphasize certain ideas, as can be seen in Hamlet's famous soliloquy "To be or not to be: that is the question," where the eleventh syllable adds to the gravity of the line.
Through iambic pentameter, the potency of Shakespeare's language was enhanced, providing a more tactile experience for readers and actors alike. Despite its complexity and the linguistic gymnastics required to maintain it, Shakespeare's mastery of this meter contributed to the immortal status of his plays and sonnets.