What is an iambic pentameter?

An iambic pentameter is a type of metric used in traditional English poetry and verse drama, particularly employed by Shakespeare in his plays and poems. It is a line of verse composed of five metrical feet, each feet is made of one short unstressed syllable and one long stressed syllable. The rhythm of a line that has an iambic pentameter resembles a da DUM sound, similar to a heartbeat. E.g:"And I do love thee. Therefore go with me" (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3 Scene 1)And/I do/love thee./There fore/go with/me. da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM

NA
Answered by Nadia A. English Literature tutor

4028 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I make sure that my essay is relevant to the question?


Describe the relationship between two characters in Of Mice and Men.


Explore how Shakespeare presents love within Romeo and Juliet.


Write a piece of descriptive writing under 1000 words


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences