Blank Verse: Tips & Examples for Unrhymed Poetry

Contents

1. What is Blank Verse?
2. History of Blank Verse
3. Features of Blank Verse
4. How to Write Blank Verse
5. Why Use Blank Verse?
6. Tips for Writing Blank Verse
7. Famous Examples of Blank Verse
8. Blank Verse in Modern Poetry

Ever wonder how Shakespeare penned such powerful plays without rhyming every line? The secret lies in a type of poetry known as "blank verse". This style of writing has been around for centuries and continues to influence modern poetry. It might look a bit hard to grasp at first, but once you get to know it, you'll discover its unique beauty and potential. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of blank verse without further ado.

What is Blank Verse?

Blank verse is a type of poetry that does not rhyme, but that doesn't mean it's completely free of structure. It's like the mysterious cousin in the poetry family—doesn't rhyme, but still keeps a rhythm. Here's what's special about it:

• It's unrhymed: Unlike sonnets or limericks, blank verse doesn't end with words that rhyme. This means you don't have to worry about finding words that sound similar, giving you more freedom to express your thoughts.
• It uses iambic pentameter: Don't let the fancy term scare you. An "iamb" is simply a unit of rhythm, made up of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (like re-port or a-way). "Pentameter" means there are five of these iambs in a line. So, iambic pentameter is a line with ten syllables, alternating between unstressed and stressed.
• It's versatile: Blank verse can be used for any subject—be it love, nature, or your favorite pizza topping.
• It's timeless: Many famous poets, from William Shakespeare to Robert Frost, have used blank verse in their works. They loved it for its flexibility and the natural rhythm it gives to words.

So, now you know what blank verse is. It's quite a cool concept, isn't it? And it's not as complex as it may seem at first. Once you familiarize yourself with its features, you'll find writing a blank verse is like dancing to your own tune—you make the rules.

History of Blank Verse

Now that you're familiar with what blank verse is, let's stroll down memory lane and explore where it came from. After all, understanding the history of blank verse can offer you a deeper appreciation of this poetic form and might even inspire your own blank verse creations.

Blank verse first made its grand entrance in the 16th century. The credit for introducing blank verse to the English language goes to the Earl of Surrey, Henry Howard. He used it to translate the works of ancient epic poets like Virgil. But blank verse didn't stop there—it was about to have its big break.

Few have wielded blank verse as powerfully as the great William Shakespeare. He used it extensively in his plays, giving his characters a natural-sounding yet rhythmic speech. From Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy to Macbeth's haunting "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" speech, Shakespeare's use of blank verse is legendary.

Blank verse didn't lose its charm with the passing of time. In fact, it became a favorite tool of Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and John Keats. Even in the 20th century, poets like Robert Frost and T.S. Eliot breathed new life into blank verse with their modernist approach.

From the halls of ancient Rome to the stages of Elizabethan England and the pages of modern poetry, blank verse has had quite the journey. It's a testament to its enduring appeal that poets are still using it today. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next great poet to put their stamp on the history of blank verse?

Features of Blank Verse

Now that we've looked at the history of blank verse, let's dig into its distinguishing characteristics. What makes blank verse unique? How can we recognize it when we see it?

First things first, blank verse is a form of unrhymed poetry. This means that it doesn't have the rhyming end words that you might associate with other forms of poetry. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's any less rhythmic. Blank verse is all about rhythm, and it achieves this through a special meter called iambic pentameter.

Iambic pentameter is a term that might sound fancy, but it's not too tough to understand. An "iamb" is a two-syllable unit, or foot, where the first syllable is unstressed and the second one is stressed. "Pentameter" simply means that there are five of these iambs in a line. So, iambic pentameter is a line of poetry with five iambs. It gives blank verse a steady, heartbeat-like rhythm that's pleasing to the ear.

One more thing to note about blank verse is its flexibility. While it sticks to the rhythm of iambic pentameter, it isn't bound by a specific rhyme scheme or structure. This means that poets have a lot of creative freedom when writing in blank verse. They can mold it to fit their thoughts and emotions, making it a versatile tool for poetic expression.

So, in a nutshell, the features of blank verse are its unrhymed lines, its steady iambic pentameter rhythm, and its flexible structure. It's a form of poetry that combines the musicality of rhythm with the freedom of prose. And that's part of what makes blank verse so special.

How to Write Blank Verse

Are you ready to take a stab at writing your very own blank verse? Great! Let's walk through some steps that could help you get started.

First, remember that blank verse is written in iambic pentameter. This means you'll want to aim for lines that have ten syllables, with alternating unstressed and stressed syllables. You might want to start by just practicing this rhythm, perhaps by writing some nonsense lines. For example, you could write, "The cat did jump and land upon the roof." It's simple, but it's in iambic pentameter.

Once you feel comfortable with the rhythm, you can move on to writing about a specific topic. If you're not sure what to write about, don't worry—blank verse is versatile and can be used for any subject matter. You could write about your day, your feelings, a beautiful sunset you saw, or the last book you read. The sky's the limit!

As you write, remember that blank verse doesn't have to rhyme. This can be freeing, as it allows you to focus more on the rhythm and the meaning of your words. However, if you find that a rhyme slips in now and then, don't fret! Blank verse may typically be unrhymed, but it's not a hard and fast rule.

Finally, try not to stress too much about getting your blank verse "right." Writing poetry, including blank verse, should be a fun and creative process. If you're enjoying yourself and expressing your thoughts and feelings, then you're doing it right!

Now that you know the basics, why not give it a try? You never know—you might just discover that blank verse is your new favorite form of poetry.

Why Use Blank Verse?

You might be wondering: why should you use blank verse? What makes it stand out from other poetic forms? Well, there are several compelling reasons to use blank verse in your poetry.

One of the main reasons is its versatility. Blank verse can be used to express any subject or emotion. Whether you're writing about a high-stakes drama or a quiet moment of introspection, blank verse can carry the weight and nuance of your thoughts. It can capture the grandeur of a mountain range, the heartache of a lost love, or the simple joy of a sunny day.

Another reason is its natural rhythm. The iambic pentameter of blank verse mirrors the rhythm of everyday speech, making it sound more natural to the ear. This can make your poetry more accessible and relatable to your readers.

Blank verse also offers a unique challenge for the poet. Without the crutch of end rhymes, you're forced to pay more attention to the other elements of your poetry—like rhythm, word choice, and imagery. This can help you grow and develop as a poet, honing your skills and pushing your boundaries.

Finally, there's a certain prestige associated with blank verse. Some of the greatest poets in history—from William Shakespeare to Robert Frost—have used blank verse in their work. By writing in blank verse, you're joining a long and illustrious tradition of poets who have explored this challenging and rewarding form.

In short, blank verse offers a wealth of opportunities for poets. Whether you're a seasoned poet or a beginner, blank verse can provide a new and exciting avenue for your poetic expression.

Tips for Writing Blank Verse

Writing blank verse might seem daunting at first—after all, it's a form used by some of the greatest poets in history. But don't worry, with a few tips and some practice, you'll be writing your own blank verse in no time.

Firstly, familiarize yourself with iambic pentameter. Remember, in blank verse, each line has ten syllables, arranged in a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. But don't feel shackled by this rhythm—feel free to vary it occasionally to avoid monotony and to emphasize certain words or phrases.

Next, focus on your word choice and imagery. Since blank verse doesn't rely on rhyme, these elements become even more vital. Use vivid and specific language to paint a picture in your reader's mind. Don't tell your reader what to feel—show them.

Remember to use enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza. This can create a sense of flow and continuity in your poem, and can also be used for dramatic effect.

Finally, read your poem out loud! This is a great way to check the rhythm and flow of your poem, and to catch any awkward or clunky phrases. If it doesn't sound natural when spoken, it probably needs some tweaking.

Writing blank verse is a journey, not a destination. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep writing. You'll improve with each line you write.

Famous Examples of Blank Verse

Now that we've discussed some tips for writing blank verse, let's explore some famous examples. These examples can serve as inspiration and provide a better understanding of how blank verse works in practice.

One of the most renowned users of blank verse was William Shakespeare. His plays are chock-full of it! A famous example is the "To be or not to be" soliloquy from Hamlet. Here's a snippet:

To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep

John Milton's "Paradise Lost" is another great example of blank verse. This epic poem uses blank verse to tell the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden. Here's a taste:

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste
Brought death into the World, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man
Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat,

Lastly, we have Robert Frost's "Mending Wall", a modern example of blank verse. Frost's natural and conversational style is a perfect match for the unrhymed iambic pentameter of blank verse:

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

These examples show the flexibility and power of blank verse. From Shakespeare's dramatic soliloquies to Frost's quiet reflections, blank verse is a potent tool in a poet's arsenal.

Blank Verse in Modern Poetry

So, you might be wondering: Is blank verse still popular in modern poetry? The answer is a resounding yes! Even though rhyme and free verse often take the spotlight, blank verse continues to be a beloved form for many contemporary poets. It offers a unique blend of structure and freedom that's hard to resist.

Take the poet Robert Pinsky, for example. His award-winning poem "An Explanation of America" uses blank verse to create a rhythm that echoes the everyday speech patterns, making his complex ideas about American history and culture more accessible. He uses the traditional meter of blank verse but breaks the rules just enough to keep it fresh and modern.

Then there's Geoffrey Hill, another modern poet who takes blank verse and makes it his own. In his poem "Mercian Hymns," Hill combines elements of prose and verse to create a hybrid form. He plays with the structure of blank verse to mirror the fragmented nature of memory and history.

And let's not forget Jorie Graham, who uses blank verse in her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection "The Dream of the Unified Field." Graham's blank verse isn't always easy to spot since she stretches the form to its limits, but it's there, adding a subtle, underlying rhythm to her expansive thoughts.

These modern examples demonstrate just how adaptable blank verse is. It's a form that's been around for centuries, but it's far from outdated. Whether you're reading Shakespeare or Pinsky, writing or analyzing, understanding blank verse can open up new ways of thinking about poetry.

If you're inspired by the world of unrhymed poetry and want to improve your poetic skills, check out the workshop '10 Minute Poetry Challenge: THINK LESS, WRITE MORE!' by Alieu Drammeh. This engaging workshop will help you tap into your creativity and let your words flow effortlessly, allowing you to create powerful and moving blank verse poetry.