How many beats are present in a line of pentameter?

How many beats are present in a line of pentameter?

• A. Three
• B. Four
• C. Five
• D. Six

Answer: (C)

Pentameter is a term used in poetry to denote a specific type of metrical line that consists of five feet. Each foot in this context typically consists of two syllables, with the most common pattern being iambic, which alternates between unstressed and stressed syllables. In summary, a line of pentameter contains five beats, making the answer five as the correct count of metrical feet in this type of structure. This characteristic sets pentameter apart from other forms of meter, such as tetrameter, which contains four feet, or trimeter, which consists of three.

Pentameter is a term used in poetry to denote a specific type of metrical line that consists of five feet. Each foot in this context typically consists of two syllables, with the most common pattern being iambic, which alternates between unstressed and stressed syllables. In summary, a line of pentameter contains five beats, making the answer five as the correct count of metrical feet in this type of structure. This characteristic sets pentameter apart from other forms of meter, such as tetrameter, which contains four feet, or trimeter, which consists of three.