How To Use Iambic Pentameter While Writing: 4 Steps - WikiHow Life

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Last Updated: June 8, 2020

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Does the process of writing in iambic pentameter confuse you? You aren't alone. Most students have no idea how to write a sonnet after graduating high school, although poetry is almost always part of their curriculum. Read on to learn how to easily write in iambic pentameter.

Steps

1. 1 Think about what you want your poem to be about, or the topic chosen for you by your teacher. Make a list of words including adjectives, nouns, and verbs that remind you of the topic and any specific images related to the topic that come to mind. With that list, write at least two synonyms for each word containing more or less syllables. This way, you have a word bank to come back to if a word doesn't quite fit.
2. 2 Get ready to count syllables. The phrase "iambic pentameter" simply means that each line of poetry contains ten syllables, or five "iambs." An iamb consists of two syllables: unstressed and stressed. This means the second word has more emphasis when read aloud, or is more stressed than the first. Let's look at an example of a sonnet, taken from Sonnet CXXX (130) by William Shakespeare: Now, let's take a look at the first line.
   • To help you hear the beat, tap your fingers on each syllable as you read aloud, tapping harder the second time. Do you hear it?
     • My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
     • Coral is far more red, than her lips red:
     • If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
     • If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
   • Did you notice how it naturally sounded like music? "My Mistress' EYES are nothing LIKE the SUN." It's like a dance, elegant yet simple. Apply that to your own poem. Does it flow well? If not, did you see another word in your list that would work better?
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3. 3 Don't be afraid to get creative. Use words with double meanings if you'd like to. If you are still unsure of yourself, it's best to keep it simple.
4. 4 Don't be intimidated by poetry. Anyone can write it if they put their hearts into it. Try not to get frustrated if something doesn't quite work, and don't be afraid to ask your friends or family for help. The more time you put into it, the better it will be. Good luck! Advertisement

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• Question What am I supposed to do in the second quatrain? Donagan Top Answerer Each quatrain is written in the same meter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 2

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Tips

• Read or watch something related to your topic. Often, you'll hear a word that you may not have thought about that will work in your poem. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Write your poem in a quiet place, away from distractions and people. It's easier to write from the heart if you're alone. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Don't be afraid to make references. Poetry is full of them, but be sure to cite them if required. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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Warnings

• If in doubt, cite the work you reference. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Do not plagiarize the work of another poet, even the poem of a friend. It is not yours, and most schools are very strict about this policy. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/sonnet/130

About this article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 30,971 times. 56 votes - 55% Co-authors: 13 Updated: June 8, 2020 Views: 30,971

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 30,971 times.

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About this article

56 votes - 55% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13 Updated: June 8, 2020 Views: 30,971

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