Here's an example of how that plays out in this poem's form: In addition to this metrical pattern, ballads are known for their pretty regular rhyme scheme: ABCB, where each letter stands for that line's end rhyme. Every even-numbered line in this poem uses that pattern, for a rhythmic effect of daDUM, daDUM, daDUM. Tri- means three-just go count the horns on a triceratops if you want more proof. Now, if iambic tetrameter is four iambs in a line, then iambic trimeter is-wait for it-three. For now, though, let's look at what iambic trimeter sounds like: We'll say more about this exception in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Maybe Dickinson was just getting warmed up? Or maybe something more is going on there. Yeah, that one is pretty far from the iambic tetrameter mark. Let's take a look at that very first line: Check it out:Īnd sings the tune with out the words – (3)ĭo you hear that daDUM, daDUM, daDUM, daDUM pattern? That's the sound of iambic pentameter at work, and it's present in the first and third line of nearly every stanza in the poem. It makes a daDUM sound, like "allow." When you have four of those iambs in a single line, then you get iambic tetrameter (tetra- means four). You see, an iamb is a two-syllable pair in which the first syllable is unstressed, but the second syllable is stressed. Stop Googling, guys-we're here to translate. You see, this poem essentially follows the regular ballad rhythm, which means that, for every stanza, the first and third lines are written in a pattern called "iambic tetrameter," while the second and fourth lines are written in "iambic trimeter." And now, having read "'Hope' is the thing with feathers," you've read another one.
Ever heard "Amazing Grace"? Well, then you've heard a ballad.
It's so handy, in fact, that the ballad meter became a popular choice for church hymns. That meant that, in the days before universal literacy, folks could remember and pass along stories in this handy form. Specifically, it referred to a form of poetry that was popular mainly because it was easy to remember. What do you think of when you hear the word "ballad"? Rock stadiums? Teased hair? Pained expressions on singers' faces? You do if you're like us-hopelessly stuck in the '80s.īut before the likes of Aerosmith and Ratt (with two T's) were wailing away about their babies who left them, a ballad was something just slightly different.
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