The Distinctive Features of Blank Verse Poetry

Blank verse is a unique form of poetry that maintains a regular meter, but does not adhere to a rhyme scheme. Unlike other poetic styles, blank verse offers more creative freedom while still providing structure. Notable examples include Robert Browning's 'Fra Lippo Lippi' (1855) and W.B Yeats' 'The Second Coming' (1920). Let's delve into the defining characteristics of blank verse in more detail.

What is Blank Verse?

Blank verse is a form of poetry written with a regular meter but without a rhyme scheme. This means that the lines of the poem have a consistent number of syllables, but the end words do not sound the same. This poetic form typically uses iambic pentameter, which consists of five iambs per line (one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable). It is worth noting that blank verse is often associated with free verse, which has no meter and is commonly used for longer, narrative-based poems.

Key Characteristics of Blank Verse

There are two main features that set blank verse apart from other poetic forms - its meter and rhyme scheme.

• Meter

A defining aspect of blank verse is its regular meter, meaning each line has a consistent number of syllables. While there is no set meter for this form, most poets use iambic pentameter as it reflects the natural rhythm of English speech. For example, Robert Browning's 'Fra Lippo Lippi' (1855) is a dramatic monologue written in blank verse and iambic pentameter, making it easy to read.

• Rhyme Scheme

The absence of a rhyme scheme in blank verse allows for more freedom in vocabulary choice for the poet. This is because there are no limitations on which words can be used at the end of each line. In contrast, other poetic forms with strict rhyme schemes may limit the creativity of the writer. For instance, William Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 18' (1609) shares a similar meter with blank verse but follows a specific ABAB rhyme scheme.

Examples of Blank Verse Poems

Now, let's examine a few examples of blank verse poems.

• Mending Wall by Robert Frost

A well-known example of blank verse, this poem follows an iambic pentameter with no rhyme scheme:

"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."

• The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats

In this poem, Yeats primarily uses an iambic pentameter but deviates from the meter at times to convey a sense of uncertainty and fear:

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer;Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,"

Blank Verse vs Free Verse

Both blank verse and free verse lack a rhyme scheme, but they differ in their use of meter. While free verse has no set meter, blank verse typically follows an iambic pentameter. This difference allows for more structure and rhythm in blank verse compared to free verse. Examples of free verse poems include Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' (1855) and T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land' (1922).

In Conclusion

In conclusion, blank verse is a distinctive and widely used form of poetry that offers both structure and creative freedom for poets. Its regular meter and lack of a rhyme scheme make it unique from other poetic forms, and it continues to be a popular choice among poets today. Whether it's used for dramatic monologues, narratives, or other poetic styles, blank verse continues to showcase the beauty and versatility of the English language in the world of poetry.

Poetic Freedom: The Difference Between Free Verse and Blank Verse

Free verse and blank verse are two forms of poetry that offer poets the freedom to experiment and be innovative. While both have their own unique qualities, blank verse is often preferred for longer, narrative poems due to its regular meter and natural speech patterns. Let's explore the key differences between these two poetic styles.

Free Verse

Free verse is a form of poetry that does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme or meter. This allows poets to have complete creative freedom and experiment with different styles and techniques. It gained popularity through works such as Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" and Modernist poetry.

Blank Verse

On the other hand, blank verse follows a regular meter, typically iambic pentameter, but does not have a rhyme scheme. This allows for a more structured approach to poetry while still giving poets the flexibility to express their creativity. Blank verse reflects natural speech patterns, making it easy for readers to understand and making it a popular choice for longer, narrative poems.

Understanding Blank Verse

If you're unfamiliar with blank verse, you may have some questions. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you better understand this form of poetry.

• What is blank verse? Blank verse is a form of poetry that follows a regular meter but lacks a rhyme scheme. The most common meter used in blank verse is iambic pentameter.
• What is an example of blank verse in poetry? "Mending Wall" (1914) by Robert Frost is a well-known example of blank verse in poetry.
• How do you identify a blank verse? To identify a blank verse poem, pay attention to the rhyme scheme and the meter. If there is a regular meter present without a rhyme scheme, it is most likely a blank verse poem.

The Difference Between Blank Verse and Free Verse

While both free verse and blank verse offer poetic freedom, the main difference between the two is the presence of a regular meter. Free verse does not have a specific meter or rhyme scheme, while blank verse follows a regular meter but lacks a rhyme scheme.

How to Write Blank Verse

To write a blank verse poem, first choose a meter - commonly iambic pentameter is used. Then, write your poem without any rhyme scheme, allowing for more creativity and flexibility. Blank verse may seem daunting at first, but with practice and experimentation, you can create beautiful and impactful poetry.