In Modern Literature, Iambic verse is being Revived

Dive into 'Beginnings,' a poetic journey by Carol Joseph, celebrating the art of iambic verse. Embrace the eloquence of literature, enriched with renowned phrases like 'To be, or not to be.

on Nov 10, 2023

In Modern Literature, Iambic verse is being Revived | Frontlist

There are certain phrases in the realm of literature that have become well-known and well understood by many people. The renowned statement 'To be, or not to be' from William Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet' is one such example. This sentence, written in the iambic style, is not only attractive to the ear, but has also been used to great success by many poets. Carol Joseph, principal of The Gera School in Panaji, originally from Lucknow and now residing in Goa, is about to publish a book of poems named 'Beginnings' that honours the art of iambic verse.

'Beginnings,' which is set to be released by the end of 2023, is inspired by personal experiences, literature, and films. "Every now and then, we come across things or read about topics that inspire us to write poems." "In this collection, blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) or iambic tetrameter has been predominantly used," Joseph explains, adding that the poems address issues such as problematic relationships, life and death, giving and receiving, and the meaning of one's existence.

"While students should learn different writing styles," Joseph says, "I believe that iambic verse has its own special charm and should be included in the curriculum." Iambic verse literature can assist pupils develop a strong respect for language and literary traditions."

A typical iambic pentameter stanza comprises ten syllables. "Chaucer introduced it to English in the 14th century, influenced by French and Italian examples." "This style is used in a variety of important English poetic forms, including blank verse, the heroic couplet, and certain rhymed stanza forms," Joseph explains.

Aside from Shakespeare, who utilised iambic pentameter in his plays and sonnets, other writers who used it include John Milton in 'Paradise Lost' and Wordsworth in 'The Prelude'. "The iambic verse rhythms are pleasing to the ear." Much of human speech, in fact, follows an iambic pattern.

For example, 'I admire how you created this dish' and 'The priest will come to bless the house at 9'. "Another example is 'When will the 'poder' arrive?'" Joseph says.

He goes on to say that numerous poets, including Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, Robert Frost, and Yeats, used iambic verse in their works. The same is true for Indian poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nissim Ezekiel, and Goan poet Manohar Rai Sardesa, according to Joseph, and these works should be taught in schools."Iambic verse is commonly used by poets in certain of their works, even if the shape and metre change. Early exposure to various literary structures and metres can be advantageous.

It goes without saying that the form of a poem and the metre used should be considered', he says, adding that the beauty of iambic verse rests in its flexibility. "Poets can change the number of feet in a queue to express themselves creatively and avoid monotony." "Because of its balanced structure, iambic pentameter is an excellent medium for conveying deep emotions and profound thoughts," he explains.

Because blank verse, poetry without rhyme but with a precise rhythm known as iambic pentameter, is not bound by rhyme, it allows writers to express themselves more imaginatively. "This is a good reason to use and appreciate this form of poetry," Joseph explains.

The author argues that iambic poetry does not have to be a disappearing art form. "It can be revitalised by encouraging its use in contemporary poetry and demonstrating its adaptability." "Iambic pentameter poetry is important because many amazing poems have been written in this style," he explains.