Pentameter: Creating and Critiquing It

Introduction to Pentameter

Pentameter is a literary device that consists of a line of verse containing five metrical feet. Each foot typically consists of two syllables, and the most common form is iambic pentameter, where the stress falls on every second syllable. This rhythmic pattern is widely used in English poetry and serves to create a natural and pleasing cadence in verse.

How to Create Pentameter

Creating it involves establishing a consistent metrical pattern of five feet per line. The most common type of pentameter in English poetry is iambic , which consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable in each foot. Here are some steps to help you create iambic pentameter:

1. Determine Subject and Tone: It is common in various poetry forms, such as sonnets, blank verse, and heroic couplets. It is often used for serious or contemplative subjects but can also work for lighthearted or humorous themes.
2. Establish Iambic Meter: Each line should contain five metrical feet, with each foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. Use rhythmic tools like a metronome to establish the meter.
3. Experiment with Variations: While iambic is standard, you can explore other pentameter variations like trochaic, dactylic, or anapestic pentameter to create different effects and moods.
4. Consider Word Choice and Syntax: Adjust word order and word choice to maintain the rhythm. Pay attention to word stress patterns and select words that fit the meter.
5. Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud helps you hear the rhythm and flow. Make necessary adjustments to ensure consistency throughout your piece.

Creating it takes practice and experimentation, so don’t hesitate to make mistakes and explore different variations until you find the right rhythm and flow for your work.

Benefits of Pentameter

Using pentameter in poetry or prose can offer several benefits, such as:

1. Rhythm and Flow: Pentameter creates a consistent rhythm and flow in writing that can enhance the musicality and appeal of the work. The regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables can make the writing more pleasing to the ear and easier to read aloud.
2. Memorability: The regularity can make it easier to remember and recite, which can be useful for poems or passages meant to be performed or memorized.
3. Emphasis: The use of stressed and unstressed syllables can create emphasis and draw attention to certain words or phrases, allowing the writer to convey a specific message or feeling.
4. Expressiveness: The use of meter can enhance the expressiveness of the writing, allowing the writer to evoke certain moods or emotions through the use of rhythm and flow.
5. Tradition: Pentameter has a long history in English poetry, dating back to the works of Chaucer and Shakespeare. Using pentameter can connect a writer to this tradition and allow them to tap into its rich history and influence.

Pentameter and Literary Theory

Pentameter is a prominent feature of many literary traditions and forms, and it can be analyzed and interpreted through various literary theories. Here are a few examples:

Theory	Critique	Example
Formalism	Analyzes pentameter as a formal feature, examining its use and effects in relation to a work’s structure and style.	In Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the use of iambic pentameter contributes to the sonnet’s formal and structured tone, highlighting the poet’s admiration for the subject’s timeless beauty.
New Criticism	Emphasizes close reading and analyzes pentameter as a specific literary device, exploring its role in conveying meaning and themes.	In John Donne’s “Holy Sonnet 10,” the use of iambic pentameter reinforces the speaker’s argument about the inevitability of death, creating a sense of urgency and emphasizing the theme of mortality.
Historical Context	Considers the historical context to interpret its usage, examining how it relates to social and cultural norms of the time.	In Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus,” the use of iambic pentameter reflects the conventions of Elizabethan drama, aligning with the theatrical practices and expectations of the Renaissance period.
Postcolonial Theory	Analyzes pentameter in terms of power dynamics and representation, exploring how it may symbolize cultural imposition or subversion.	In Derek Walcott’s “A Far Cry from Africa,” the use of pentameter reflects the complex colonial history of Africa, with the poet’s engagement with this traditional form serving as a commentary on colonialism’s impact.

These examples illustrate how different literary theories can provide unique perspectives on the use and significance of pentameter within various literary works.Top of Form

Suggested Readings

1. Berg, Charles. Meter and Meaning: An Introduction to Rhythm in Poetry. Routledge, 1992.
2. Fussell, Paul. Poetic Meter and Poetic Form. McGraw-Hill, 1965.
3. Hollander, John. Rhyme’s Reason: A Guide to English Verse. Yale University Press, 1981.
4. Lennard, John. The Poetry Handbook: A Guide to Reading Poetry for Pleasure and Practical Criticism. Oxford University Press, 2005.
5. Preminger, Alex, and T.V.F. Brogan, editors. The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press, 1993.
6. Shoptaw, John. On the Outside Looking Out: John Ashbery’s Poetry. Harvard University Press, 1994.