* Iamb: An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Think of the word "again" - "a-GAIN".
* Pentameter: Pentameter means five. So, iambic pentameter is a line of poetry made up of five iambs.
Let's break down the first line of the *Romeo and Juliet* prologue:
Two (unstressed) house (stressed) holds (unstressed) both (stressed) a (unstressed)
like (stressed) in (unstressed) dig (stressed) ni (unstressed) ty (stressed)
Notice how each pair of syllables follows the unstressed/stressed pattern of an iamb, and there are five of these iambs in the line.
Why is iambic pentameter important?
* Natural Rhythm: Iambic pentameter closely resembles the natural rhythm of English speech, making it flow smoothly and sound pleasing to the ear.
* Memorability: The regularity of the rhythm makes lines easier to remember and recite.
* Dramatic Effect: Shakespeare often used iambic pentameter to emphasize certain words or phrases by slightly altering the rhythm, creating dramatic tension.
Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter in *Romeo and Juliet* contributes to the play's enduring beauty and power.