Which poetic form typically follows an iambic pentameter and consists of three quatrains and a couplet?

Prepare for the NES English Language Arts Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your test!

The poetic form that follows an iambic pentameter and consists of three quatrains followed by a couplet is the Shakespearean sonnet. This structure is characterized by its 14 lines, with each quatrain typically presenting a new idea or theme that develops throughout the poem, culminating in a final couplet that often offers a resolution or a twist related to the preceding verses.

Iambic pentameter, which consists of five feet, each containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, contributes to the rhythmic quality of the poem, enhancing its lyrical and expressive capabilities. The specific arrangement of quatrains and a concluding couplet allows the poet to elaborate on a theme or argument, illustrating the characteristic breadth of thought that Shakespeare and many other poets employed in their works.

In contrast, the other forms listed, such as the elegy, tanka, and Petrarchan sonnet, have different structures and syllabic patterns that do not align with the characteristics of a Shakespearean sonnet. An elegy mourns a loss and does not adhere to a specific form, while a tanka is a Japanese poetic form consisting of five lines with a specific syllable pattern. The Petrarchan

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy