Iambic Pentameter

ELI5 - What is Iambic Pentameter and what makes it special?

An iamb is the term for an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (such as "a-BOVE"). Iambic pentameter is a group of five ("penta-") iambs, or "iambic feet" as they are known, per line, sort of like:

ba DUH ba DUH ba DUH ba DUH ba DUH

This rhythm, or meter, is traditional in English poetry. For example, Shakespeare is well known to have used iambic pentameter is his plays and sonnets:

shall I comPARE thee TO a SUmmer's DAY

By Alex 4 months ago