[dragontamer]

Iambic Pentameter is just a rhythm to add a beat to the play. Its not something crazy influential, but its needed if you are to "perform" Shakespeare, in your head or on stage.

I bring it up because Iambic Pentameter is probably the only crazy thing that's "not done today" that's all over Shakespeares works (as well as the variations of Iambic Pentameter to keep the rhythm spicy).

And Iambic Pentameter is not so much a hard rule as it is a soft one. Most lines are IP... but when Shakespeare wants to emphasize certain lines, he'll change the rhythm up. So its a way to cue the audience in with a subtle change.