Iamb

Definition:

An iamb is a metrical foot used in various types of poetry. It consists of two syllables: an unstressed (short) syllable followed by a stressed (long) syllable. The rhythm created by an iamb is often described as da-DUM, where the second syllable is emphasized. In terms of poetic notation, the unstressed syllable is represented with a breve (˘), and the stressed syllable with an ictus (´).

Historical background:

The iambic meter has its origins in ancient Greek and Roman poetry. The term “iambos” was used by the Greeks to describe a genre of poetry that used this meter for satirical and personal invective purposes. Greek poets such as Archilochus are often credited with the development of iambic verse, and it was used for expressions ranging from humor to sharp criticism.

In Latin literature, Horace and Catullus are known for their mastery of iambic meters. The influence of Greek iambic poetry can be traced to the Roman satirical tradition and later to medieval and Renaissance literature.

Use in English poetry:

The iamb is the most common foot in English poetry, forming the basis of iambic pentameter. The most frequently used meter in English verse. Iambic pentameter consists of five iambs per line, a structure famously employed by William Shakespeare in his sonnets and plays. A line of iambic pentameter reads as follows:

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

= Each pair of syllables follows the iambic pattern, contributing to the line’s fluid and natural rhythm.

English poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, and Alexander Pope also relied on iambic meter to structure their works. Milton’s Paradise Lost is written primarily in blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. The meter is praised for its flexibility and its ability to mirror natural speech patterns.

Types of Iambs:

• Iambic dimeter:A line consisting of two iambs (4 syllables)

• Iambic trimeter: A line with three iambs (6 syllables)

• Iambic tetrameter: A line with four iambs (8 syllables)

• Iambic pentameter: A line with five iambs (10 syllables)

Variations of Iambs:

In English verse, the iambic pattern may be altered to create rhythmic variation or emphasize particular words. For example, a poet may substitute an iamb for a trochee (a metrical foot with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one) or a spondee (two stressed syllables) to break the repetitive pattern. This variation can add depth and texture to a poem, making it more engaging to read or hear.

Influence on Literature:

The dominance of iambic meter in English literature, especially in Renaissance and early modern poetry, highlights its importance in the development of poetic forms. Its adaptable, speech-like rhythm has allowed poets to craft everything from epic narratives to intimate lyrics. In contemporary poetry, while free verse often dominates, the iamb remains a foundational tool for poets who seek to use meter deliberately.

References:

1. Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Harcourt, 1999.

2. Attridge, Derek. Poetic Rhythm: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 1995.

3. Preminger, Alex, and T.V.F. Brogan, eds. The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press, 1993.

                                                                            Darina Důbravová, UČO 537314