Who wrote in iambic pentameter?

Who wrote in iambic pentameter?

• A. William Shakespeare
• B. John Milton
• C. Geoffrey Chaucer
• D. Dante Alighieri

Answer: (A)

Iambic pentameter is a rhythm where a line has five iambic feet, giving a da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM pattern. William Shakespeare used this meter as the default for most of his plays and sonnets, giving the dialogue a natural, speaking cadence while still providing a formal structure. He often stays close to the rhythm to keep the verse fluid, but he also varies it with subtle pauses and stress shifts to highlight meaning, emotion, or irony. This combination of steady footing and flexible variation is a hallmark of his style, making his lines feel both lively and controlled. The other writers listed come from different traditions: Dante wrote in Italian using terza rima, and Chaucer wrote in Middle English with rhymed couplets rather than strict iambic pentameter; Milton did write a lot of his epic poetry in blank verse, which is iambic pentameter without rhyme. Because Shakespeare is the most famous and representative user of this meter in English drama and poetry, he is the best answer.

Iambic pentameter is a rhythm where a line has five iambic feet, giving a da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM pattern. William Shakespeare used this meter as the default for most of his plays and sonnets, giving the dialogue a natural, speaking cadence while still providing a formal structure. He often stays close to the rhythm to keep the verse fluid, but he also varies it with subtle pauses and stress shifts to highlight meaning, emotion, or irony. This combination of steady footing and flexible variation is a hallmark of his style, making his lines feel both lively and controlled. The other writers listed come from different traditions: Dante wrote in Italian using terza rima, and Chaucer wrote in Middle English with rhymed couplets rather than strict iambic pentameter; Milton did write a lot of his epic poetry in blank verse, which is iambic pentameter without rhyme. Because Shakespeare is the most famous and representative user of this meter in English drama and poetry, he is the best answer.