2. Blank Verse and Iambic Pentameter

3. Definition and Example Shakespeare wrote his plays almost entirely in blank verse —unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter, in which a line generally has five unstressed syllables each followed by a stressed syllable: Shakespeare wrote his plays almost entirely in blank verse —unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter, in which a line generally has five unstressed syllables each followed by a stressed syllable: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss U / U / U / U / U /

4. Couplet Sometimes, however, Shakespeare has characters speak in prose, and sometimes he uses rhymed lines, especially two rhymed lines in a row, called a couplet. Sometimes, however, Shakespeare has characters speak in prose, and sometimes he uses rhymed lines, especially two rhymed lines in a row, called a couplet. Saints do not move, though grant for prayers sake. Saints do not move, though grant for prayers sake. Then move not while my prayer’s effect I take. Then move not while my prayer’s effect I take.

5. Sonnet A sonnet is a lyric poem of 14 lines, commonly written in iambic pentameter. The sonnet may be classified as Petrachan or Shakespearean. The Shakespearean sonnet consists of a verse of poetry rhyming with every other line in a pattern of abab, cdcd, efef, gg. The final two lines are a couplet. A sonnet is a lyric poem of 14 lines, commonly written in iambic pentameter. The sonnet may be classified as Petrachan or Shakespearean. The Shakespearean sonnet consists of a verse of poetry rhyming with every other line in a pattern of abab, cdcd, efef, gg. The final two lines are a couplet.