octameter

Octameter is a poetic meter consisting of eight metrical feet per line. Each foot is typically an iamb, meaning it follows an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. Therefore, an iambic octameter line has sixteen syllables in total, with the stress falling on the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, twelfth, fourteenth, and sixteenth syllables. This meter is relatively uncommon in English poetry, especially when compared to shorter meters like iambic tetrameter or pentameter.

The use of octameter can create a sense of expansiveness and grandeur due to its length. However, maintaining a consistent rhythm over such a long line can be challenging for poets. The extended nature of the line can sometimes lead to a more narrative or descriptive effect, allowing for greater detail to be woven into a single poetic utterance.

While not as prevalent as other meters, octameter has been employed by poets who seek a distinctive, often somewhat deliberate or grand, cadence. Its rarity contributes to its impact when used effectively. Examples of octameter are less frequent in mainstream poetry, but its potential for creating a unique sonic and rhythmic experience makes it a meter that poets can explore for specific stylistic purposes. The long line can, if not handled carefully, lead to a feeling of rambling or a loss of momentum, which is a risk poets must consider when choosing this meter.