When you hear the term “villanelle,” you might think of a type of structured poem known for its repetitive rhyme scheme and its distinct, almost song-like rhythm. It’s often remembered for the way the first and last lines of the first stanza are repeated throughout the poem, creating a haunting echo. But there’s a question that often arises when discussing the villanelle—Is it iambic?
In this article, we will break down the villanelle as a poetic form, explore its traditional meter, and see how it connects to the iambic meter. We’ll explore the nature of iambic meter, the structure of a villanelle, and the relationship between the two.
What is a Villanelle?
Before diving into meter, let’s first understand what a villanelle is. The villanelle is a form of poetry that originates from the 16th century. It’s made up of 19 lines, divided into five tercets (three-line stanzas) and a final quatrain (four-line stanza). The poem has a very strict rhyme scheme and a pattern of repeated lines.
The most famous example of a villanelle is Dylan Thomas‘s Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night. This poem adheres to the form’s traditional structure and repetition:
The first and third lines of the opening stanza are alternately repeated at the end of each of the following stanzas.
The last stanza ends with the same two lines, creating a cycle of echoing refrains.
This repetition and structure create a musical rhythm, but is it always iambic?
What is Iambic Meter?
To understand whether a villanelle is iambic, we need to understand what “iambic” means. Iambic meter is one of the most common types of metrical patterns used in English poetry. It refers to a specific rhythm pattern in which each line of the poem consists of pairs of syllables, with the first syllable unstressed and the second stressed. This is called an iambic foot. For example, the word “allow” follows the iambic pattern, where the first syllable is unstressed, and the second is stressed: al-LOW.
If a line contains five iambic feet, it is known as iambic pentameter, the most commonly used meter in English poetry. A famous example of iambic pentameter is Shakespeare’s works, such as:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Each line of this sonnet contains five iambic feet, creating a rhythm that flows naturally and is easy to follow.
The Meter of a Villanelle
A villanelle, like most formal poetic forms, follows a specific meter. But does it always follow iambic meter? The answer is no—not necessarily. While many villanelles are written in iambic meter, the form itself doesn’t require it.
The meter of a villanelle can vary. Some poets choose to write their villanelles in iambic pentameter (five iambic feet per line), but others may choose a different meter, such as tetrameter (four iambic feet) or even trimeter (three iambic feet). The key to a villanelle is its rhyme scheme and repetition of lines, not the specific meter.
That said, iambic pentameter is often the default choice for poets writing in the villanelle form, because it creates a rhythm that’s easy to follow and gives the poem a sense of formal structure.
A Villanelle in Iambic Pentameter
Let’s take a closer look at a famous villanelle written in iambic pentameter: Dylan Thomas’s Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night. The first stanza looks like this:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Here, you can see that the first and third lines of the stanza will be repeated throughout the poem. Each of these lines follows the iambic pentameter pattern. For example:
“Do not go gentle into that good night” (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
“Old age should burn and rave at close of day” (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light” (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).
In each line, you can clearly hear the iambic pattern—an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, repeated five times. The rhythmic flow of these lines adds to the power and urgency of the poem’s message.
Variations in Meter
However, not every villanelle strictly follows iambic pentameter. Some poets may choose to write their villanelles in a different meter, adjusting the number of feet in each line. For instance, a poet might use iambic tetrameter (four iambic feet per line) or even iambic trimeter (three iambic feet per line). These variations can create a different rhythm and tone within the poem while still maintaining the villanelle’s characteristic form.
For example, let’s consider a hypothetical villanelle written in iambic tetrameter:
The sun will set behind the distant hills,
As shadows stretch across the fading sky;
The wind will whisper softly through the stills.
Here, each line contains four iambic feet, giving it a slightly faster rhythm than iambic pentameter. While this still follows an iambic pattern, the shorter lines make the poem feel more brisk and less meditative than a traditional iambic pentameter villanelle.
Why Iambic Meter is Common in Villanelles
Iambic meter is often preferred in villanelles for several reasons:
Flow and Rhythm: The iambic pattern is natural to the English language, and its alternating rhythm helps to create a smooth, flowing sound. This is particularly important in a form like the villanelle, where the repetition of lines can make the rhythm more prominent.
Tradition: Many of the most famous villanelles, like Dylan Thomas’s Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, are written in iambic pentameter. As a result, many poets continue to write their villanelles in this meter to maintain a connection to the tradition of the form.
Flexibility: While the villanelle form has a strict rhyme and structure, the iambic meter allows for some flexibility in the way the poem’s content is expressed. The meter can help to carry the weight of the repetitive lines, making them more impactful and memorable.
Musicality: The iambic meter gives a villanelle a musical quality, which is enhanced by the repetition of lines. This musicality is especially important in a poem like a villanelle, where the repetition creates a hypnotic, almost chant-like effect.
Conclusion
So, is a villanelle iambic? The answer is: it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. While iambic meter is common in villanelles, especially in the form of iambic pentameter, the form itself does not require it. A villanelle can be written in various meters, depending on the poet’s choice.
The most important aspects of a villanelle are its strict rhyme scheme and the repetition of lines, which give the poem its distinctive form and rhythm. Iambic meter is often chosen because it helps to create a flowing, rhythmic quality that complements the structure of the poem. However, poets have the freedom to experiment with different meters while still adhering to the core elements of the villanelle.
Whether you choose to write a villanelle in iambic pentameter or experiment with other meters, the key to a successful villanelle lies in how well you use repetition, rhythm, and rhyme to create a poem that resonates with the reader.
