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Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 6   AIL 0516 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Iambic Trimeter

Captions available

The idea

Iambic trimeter is a line with three beats, and the glossary quotes Dickinson: the only news I know is bulletins all day. Three beats feels clipped and is often paired with tetrameter in alternating lines, which is the shape of the common ballad stanza.

In practice

Three beats, clipped.

Where people slip

Often alternated with tetrameter.

Your place on the trail

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

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