Question

Which statement about iambic pentameter, which is used in "Sonnet 29,” is correct? An iamb consists of two unstressed syllables followed by two stressed syllables. An iamb consists of a unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. An iamb consists of a stressed syllable followed by another stressed syllable. An iamb consists of five stressed syllables followed by five unstressed syllables.

Answer 1

An iamb consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter in most of his poetry and plays because it is the meter most similar to everyday speech. This made it easier for performers to memorize and perform. An iamb is only two syllables but Shakespeare's lines are made of 10 syllables. It's called iambic pentameter because two syllables (one unstressed and one stressed) five (penta) times equals 10 for the meter. Meter in poetry is the rhythm of the line or poem.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B. An iamb consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
An iamb consists of two syllables, the first of which is short (unstressed) followed by a long (stressed) syllable. Shakespeare used iambic pentameter in most of his poetry, and it can certainly be found in your example - Sonnet 29 "When, in Disgrace with Fortune and Men's Eyes."