Iambic pentameter


Iambic pentameter

Definition of Iambic pentameter Literary Term
How do you define Iambic pentameter? What is the definition of Iambic pentameter?
The definition of Iambic pentameter is as follows:
 

Definition of Iambic pentameter Literary Term

Shakespeare's plays were written mostly in iambic pentameter, which is the most common type of meter in English poetry. It is a basic measure of English poetry, five iambic feet in each line.
 

 

Example of Iambic pentameter
There are many examples of different types of poetry. An example of Iambic pentameter Literary Term can be found in the poetic work of John Milton.
 

Example of Iambic pentameter Literary Term - Excerpt

Paradise Lost
by
John Milton

Chapter 1 - Book 1

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste
Brought death into the World, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man
Restore us, and regain the blissful seat,
Sing, Heavenly Muse, that, on the secret top
Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire
That shepherd who first taught the chosen seed
In the beginning how the heavens and earth
Rose out of Chaos: or, if Sion hill
Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flowed
Fast by the oracle of God, I thence
Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song,
That with no middle flight intends to soar

 

 

Forms of Poetry and Literary Terms
How do you define a couplet or a Falling Meter? And what exactly is an Iambic pentameter? We have provided a definition of poetry and literary terms together with the meaning and examples, such as the above definition of Iambic pentameter. A helpful educational resource for those taking an English test or a University student studying English and American Literature. Each definition, such as the above definition and example of Iambic pentameter will provide a glossary of literary terms or a dictionary with the meaning, samples, examples and the rules of specialising in each different type of poem and poetry.
 

Definition of Poetry
Poetry is piece of literature written by a poet in meter or verse expressing various emotions which are expressed by the use of variety of techniques including metaphors, similes and onomatopoeia. The emphasis on the aesthetics of language and the use of techniques such as repetition, meter and rhyme are what are commonly used to distinguish poetry from prose. Poems often make heavy use of imagery and word association to quickly convey emotions. An example of Iambic pentameter is detailed above.

Structure of Poetry
The structure used in poems varies with different types of poetry and can be seen in the above example of Iambic pentameter. The structural elements include the line, couplet, strophe and stanza. Poets combine the use of language and a specific structure to create imaginative and expressive work. The structure used in some Poetry types are also used when considering the visual effect of a finished poem. The structure of many types of poetry  result in groups of lines on the page which enhance the poem's composition.
 

Iambic pentameter

  • Definition of Iambic pentameter Literary Term
  • Literary term
  • Free Educational resource and example of this literary term of Literary Terms
  • Structure, form and Literary Term
  • Example of poem and poetry illustrating Iambic pentameter a Literary Term
  • Examples of Poetry Types and Poetry terms
  • Word Association to convey emotion. Example of Poetry Type and literary term
  • Iambic pentameter Literary Term


 

Iambic pentameter

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