Iambic Pentameter - Explanation with example

Iambic Pentameter

- JS.N

(19/03/2024)

Definition of Iambic Pentameter:

Iambic pentameter is a type of poetic metre that consists of five iambic feet per line. An iambic foot is a unit of unstressed and stressed syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable. This creates a da-DUM da-DUM rhythm that can sound like a heartbeat or a drumbeat.


Example of Iambic Pentameter:

One famous example of iambic pentameter comes from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night":


Each line of this passage is written in iambic pentameter, meaning it consists of five iambs. Each pair of syllables forms an iambic foot, with the stress falling on the second syllable. This creates a pattern of five iambic feet, or iambic pentameter.


Explanation of Iambic Pentameter:

"If MU-sic BE the FOOD of LOVE, play ON,"

This line consists of 10 syllables, with the stress falling on every other syllable, creating a pattern of five iambic feet. This rhythm creates a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear and can enhance the meaning of the words.


Syllabification of the Example Line:

"If MU-sic BE the FOOD of LOVE, play ON,"

The breakdown of one line from Shakespeare's poetry:

If: 1 syllable (If)

Music: 2 syllables (MU-sic)

Be: 1 syllable (Be)

The: 1 syllable (The)

Food: 1 syllable (Food)

Of: 1 syllable (Of)

Love: 1 syllable (Love)

Play: 1 syllable (Play)

On: 1 syllable (On)

So, the total number of syllables in this line is 10. And the stress pattern is an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a pattern of iambic pentameter.

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