Final answer:
The line 'The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head' is the BEST example of iambic pentameter, as it follows the classical pattern of having five metrical feet of one short (unstressed) and one long (stressed) syllable. It maintains the da-DUM rhythm throughout its ten-syllable length.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iambic Pentameter in Shakespeare's Works
The line that is the BEST example of iambic pentameter is option b: "The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head." An iambic pentameter is a line of verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one short (or unstressed) syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable. This means there are ten syllables in total, with the stress pattern being da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM. Using this pattern, let's analyze the options provided:
- a. Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? - This line does not fit the pattern of iambic pentameter as it begins with a stressed syllable and doesn't maintain the da-DUM rhythmic pattern throughout.
- b. The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head - This line perfectly fits the iambic pentameter's unstressed-stressed pattern. It also contains exactly ten syllables, which is characteristic of iambic pentameter.
- c. Out of her favour, where I am in love. - While this line has ten syllables, it does not maintain the iambic pattern because it begins with a stressed syllable.
- d. Out upon you! what a man are you! - This line also does not fit as it has an irregular meter and does not follow the iambic pentameter structure.
Thus, the line from option b is the best example of iambic pentameter, showcasing the rhythmic da-DUM pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, repeated five times.