I have a major poetry test tomorrow and I just wanted to know how to tell apart a blank verse from a free verse.
Thanks
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/668141-Blank-Verse-and-Free-Verse
To tell apart a blank verse from a free verse, you need to understand the defining characteristics of each form.
1. Blank Verse: Blank verse is a type of poetry that follows a specific metrical pattern but does not rhyme. Here's how you can identify blank verse:
- Meter: Blank verse is written in iambic pentameter. This means that each line of verse consists of five pairs of syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair. The pattern is "da-DUM" in each pair.
- Structure: Blank verse typically uses regular line breaks, and the lines often have a consistent length. Although it doesn't have a strict rhyme scheme, it may still incorporate occasional end rhymes for emphasis or variety.
2. Free Verse: Free verse, as the name suggests, is poetry that doesn't adhere to any rigid structure or traditional metrical patterns. It embraces freedom of expression and doesn't follow any rules of rhyme or meter. Here's how you can identify free verse:
- Structure: Free verse doesn't have a regular metrical pattern, so there won't be a consistent use of stressed and unstressed syllables or a particular line length.
- Rhyme: Free verse doesn't rely on rhyme schemes, so you won't find any regular rhyming patterns within the poem.
To determine whether a poem is blank verse or free verse, read it aloud and pay attention to the rhythm. If you notice a regular pattern with stressed and unstressed syllables (iambic pentameter), it's most likely blank verse. However, if you find no discernible pattern, no consistent line breaks, or no rhyming scheme, then it is likely free verse. Remember that some poets may intentionally mix elements of both forms, so keep an open mind while analyzing the poem.
To tell apart blank verse from free verse, follow these steps:
1. Understand the basic definitions:
- Blank verse: Blank verse is a form of poetry that consists of unrhymed lines with a consistent meter, usually iambic pentameter. This means that each line typically contains five pairs of syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair.
- Free verse: Free verse, on the other hand, is poetry that doesn't follow a specific meter or rhyme scheme. It is characterized by its freedom from traditional poetic rules.
2. Analyze the structure:
- Blank verse: Look for consistent patterns in the meter and syllable count. Typically, blank verse utilizes iambic pentameter, where each line consists of five pairs of syllables with the stress falling on the second syllable. However, it doesn't necessarily have to follow strict iambic pentameter throughout the entire poem.
- Free verse: Notice the absence of a consistent meter or rhyme scheme. Free verse can vary in terms of line length, rhythmic patterns, and the absence of traditional poetic elements.
3. Listen to the rhythm:
- Blank verse: Pay attention to the rhythmic flow of the poem. Blank verse often creates a natural and musical rhythm due to the regularity of the stressed and unstressed syllables.
- Free verse: Listen for an absence of a regular rhythm or meter. Free verse focuses more on the natural cadence of speech and doesn't adhere to a specific rhythm.
4. Look for patterns in rhyme:
- Blank verse: Notice the absence of rhyme in most cases. Blank verse relies on meter and rhythm rather than traditional end rhyme patterns.
- Free verse: Observe the lack of consistent rhyme scheme. Free verse allows the poet to use rhyme sporadically or not at all.
By closely examining the structure, rhythm, and rhyme of a poem, you should be able to differentiate between blank verse and free verse. Good luck on your poetry test!