Iambic pentameter can be roughly summarised as having 10 syllables a line. ... Iambic pentameter is thought to be the sound of natural conversation and so poets will often use it to create a conversational or natural feel to the poem.

Why do poets write in iambic pentameter?

The most common meter used in poetry is iambic pentameter (penta=five). Poets choose to use this meter when writing poetry because it gives the poem a strong underlying structure as a formal writing device. Iambic pentameter can be rhymed or unrhymed. In the case of unrhymed it is called “Blank Verse.”

What is so special about iambic pentameter?

It contrasts free-verse.

Iambic pentameter carries a hum-drum, repetitive rhythm. Contrasted with shorter, unpredictable lines, you can create themes of boredom versus excitement, stability versus chaos, and so on.