Question

which of the following excerpts is an example of iambic pentameter?
a. \i have ever loved thee in a hundred forms and times\
b. \you see this dog. it was but yesterday\
c. \the onrolling flood of the love eternal\
d. \wash it with unceasing salt\

Explanation:

Iambic pentameter is a line of verse with five pairs of unstressed-stressed syllables (10 total syllables).

• Option A: Counts to 11 syllables, does not fit.
• Option B: Has 10 syllables, following the unstressed-stressed pattern (e.g., You SEE this DOG It WAS but YES terDAY), matching iambic pentameter.
• Option C: Has 9 syllables, does not fit.
• Option D: Has 7 syllables, does not fit.

Answer:

B. "You see this dog. It was but yesterday"