Question

what characteristics suggest that the second example is written in blank verse?
○ no rhyme, ten syllables to a line, and no pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables
○ no rhyme, ten syllables to a line, and pairs of syllables in which the second syllable is stressed
○ a rhyme scheme, a different number of syllables per line, and the use of repetition
○ no rhyme, a different number of syllables per line, and a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables

Explanation:

Blank verse is unrhymed iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter has ten syllables per line (pentameter) with iambs (pairs where the second syllable is stressed). Let's analyze each option:

• First option: Says no pattern of stressed/unstressed, but blank verse has iambic pattern. Eliminate.
• Second option: No rhyme (matches blank verse), ten syllables per line (pentameter), and pairs with second syllable stressed (iambs). This fits.
• Third option: Says a rhyme scheme, but blank verse has no rhyme. Eliminate.
• Fourth option: Says different number of syllables per line, but blank verse has ten syllables (pentameter). Eliminate.

Answer:

B. no rhyme, ten syllables to a line, and pairs of syllables in which the second syllable is stressed