The meter of "Invictus" is a matter of some debate, because the poem's accent pattern is not consistent. In my opinion, Henley wrote the poem in loosely constructed iambic tetrameter.Thus, "Invictus" only generally consists of lines possessing four iambs (feet consisting of an unaccented syllable followed by an accented one.) These are not the bold, consistent iambs of Shakespeare or Byron. Indeed, the beautiful, inexorable cadence of "Invictus" is greatly diminished when the poem is read with strict adherence to the iambic pattern.
Ta-DUM ta-DUM ta-DUM ta-DUM:
Out OF the NIGHT that CO-vers ME,
Black AS the PIT from POLE to POLE...
The meter for "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley is predominantly iambic tetrameter, with four stressed beats (or feet) per line. It follows a 4-4-4-4 pattern in most of the stanzas, creating a rhythmic and powerful flow for the poem.
Iambic pentameter is the type of poetic meter that is commonly associated with William Shakespeare.
The rhyme scheme and meter in "Invictus" create a steady and resolute tone. The consistent pattern of ABCB rhyming quatrains gives the poem a sense of order and strength, while the iambic tetrameter maintains a rhythmic and determined pace. This structured form mirrors the speaker's unwavering defiance and determination in the face of adversity, reinforcing the overall tone of resilience and perseverance.
iambic pentameter
"My Heart Leaps Up" by William Wordsworth is written in iambic tetrameter, with four metrical feet per line. This meter consists of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.
The cast of Meter in the Kitchen - 1916 includes: Ivy Close Robert Ellis William McKey Henry Murdock Mary Ross
William Carlos Williams' poem "The Red Wheelbarrow" is written in free verse, which means it does not follow a specific meter or rhyme scheme. The poem consists of just 16 words divided into 8 lines, emphasizing simplicity and clarity in its imagery.
The poem "London" by William Blake is written in iambic tetrameter, with four stressed beats per line. This meter creates a steady and deliberate rhythm that emphasizes the poet's observations about the social and political issues in the city of London.
The gas meter. No, actually, his verse writing is mostly in iambic pentameter.
"A Dream" by William Blake is a lyric poem with a regular rhythm and meter. It consists of four quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's language is simple and reflective, with a dream-like quality that conveys a sense of wonder and contemplation.
The cast of The Bandit of Tropico - 1912 includes: Harry von Meter as William Blake - the Bandit
meter, rhyme, rhythm, symbolism, imagery, repetition, consonance, assonance, alliteration, enjambment
Joseph William Hendren has written: 'A study of ballad rhythm' -- subject- s -: Ballads, English, History and criticism, Musical meter and rhythm, English language, Rhythm, English Ballads