How do you write a sonnet and a couplet and a quatrain. How do you know if a syllable is stressed or unsressed by just looking at the word
Sonnet = 14 lines carefully written to fit a certain rhyme and meter and organizational pattern.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonnet
couplet = 2 lines
quatrain = 4 lines
A stressed syllable is pronounced more loudly than the others. You cannot tell just by looking at the word! You must pronounce it.
"It came upon a midnight clear..."
When you pronounce the words in that line, you should hear that the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th syllables are stressed.
stess
To write a sonnet, couplet, or quatrain, you'll need to understand the structure and characteristics of each form:
1. Sonnet: A sonnet is a 14-line poem consisting of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final couplet. It typically follows a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. Sonnets often adhere to iambic pentameter, which is a metrical pattern of 10 syllables per line, with the stress falling on every second syllable.
2. Couplet: A couplet is a two-line stanza that usually features end rhyme. Couplets can stand alone as a complete thought or be part of a longer poem. They do not necessarily follow a specific meter or rhyme scheme, but often employ rhyming patterns like AA, BB, CC, etc.
3. Quatrain: A quatrain is a four-line stanza that can be created using various rhyme schemes. There are different types of quatrains, including AABB, ABAB, ABBA. The meter and rhyme scheme of a quatrain can vary depending on the desired effect.
Now, regarding identifying stressed and unstressed syllables:
Identifying stressed and unstressed syllables is an important skill in poetry. Here are a few general guidelines to recognize the stress pattern:
1. Understand the concept of "foot": In poetry, a "foot" is a unit of measurement consisting of stressed and unstressed syllables. The most common feet in English poetry are the iamb (unstressed-stressed) and the trochee (stressed-unstressed).
2. Listen to the natural pronunciation: While it's not foolproof, generally, in multi-syllable words, stress tends to fall on the primary root syllable or, in some cases, on the first syllable of the word.
3. Utilize a dictionary or pronunciation guide: Consult a reliable dictionary or pronunciation guide that specifies the stress pattern for individual words. These resources often mark the stressed syllables with a stress symbol, such as a raised apostrophe ('), or bold the stressed syllables.
Remember that stress patterns may vary depending on regional accents and personal speaking habits. Developing a good ear for the rhythm and pattern of spoken language is essential to accurately determine stress patterns in words.