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Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 6   AIL 0506 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Iamb

Captions available

The idea

The glossary says the iambic rhythm pattern consists of one unstressed sound or beat followed by one stressed one. Its example is Gray's line: the curfew tolls the knell of parting day. The glossary prints the stresses marked, which is worth copying as a habit.

In practice

Unstressed, then stressed.

Where people slip

This is the default of English verse.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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