Here's why:
* Structure: Heroic couplets consist of pairs of rhyming iambic pentameter lines. This structure offered a clear, formal, and controlled style that resonated with the Neoclassical emphasis on reason, order, and balance.
* Content: Heroic couplets were often used to tell stories, explore philosophical ideas, and satirize societal norms. They provided a platform for clear and concise expression, suitable for tackling complex themes.
* Influence: Alexander Pope, one of the most influential poets of the era, mastered the heroic couplet and used it extensively in his works like "The Rape of the Lock" and "An Essay on Man." His success cemented the form's popularity.
* Elegance: Heroic couplets offered a sense of elegance and refinement that mirrored the societal ideals of the time. They were seen as the epitome of sophisticated expression.
While other forms like the ode and epistle also flourished during this period, the heroic couplet remained the most popular and enduring form, influencing later poetry throughout the Romantic era and beyond.