Key Characteristics:
* Unrhymed iambic pentameter: This is the foundation. Each line has 10 syllables, alternating unstressed and stressed beats (like "da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM").
* No rhyme scheme: Blank verse deliberately avoids rhyming, which gives it a natural, conversational feel.
* Flexible rhythm: While it follows the iambic pentameter structure, blank verse allows for some variation to create emphasis and nuance.
* Dramatic potential: The unrhymed, conversational nature makes it well-suited for plays, long poems, and even narrative poetry.
Examples:
* Shakespeare's plays: Many of Shakespeare's plays are written in blank verse, especially the tragedies like *Hamlet* and *King Lear*.
* John Milton's *Paradise Lost*: A classic example of epic blank verse.
* Robert Frost's poems: Frost frequently employed blank verse in his nature poems.
How to Identify It:
1. Count syllables and check for rhythm: Does each line have 10 syllables, with an alternating unstressed and stressed pattern?
2. Look for rhyme: Is there a rhyme scheme, or is the poem deliberately unrhymed?
3. Pay attention to the flow: Does the verse feel conversational yet elevated, with a natural, fluid rhythm?
4. Consider the context: Is the poem part of a play or a long narrative?
Important Note: Some poems may use blank verse sparingly, interweaving it with other forms. Look for patterns and consistency to confirm if it's the dominant form.