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Iambic trimeter is a form of poetic verse that has three iambic units, or “feet,” which is a unit of poetry composed of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. According to Aristotle, iambic trimeter was first developed by Homer and took the place of trochaic form, which has four iambic units instead of three. Aristotle claims that iambic trimeter is a natural form of poetic verse because it mimics movement and is closest to natural speech.
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Iambic Trimeter Term Timeline in Poetics
The timeline below shows where the term Iambic Trimeter appears in Poetics. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2. Poetry as a Species of Imitation
...a descriptive name for Socratic dialogues, nor is there a name for art written in iambic trimeters or any other form of verse. This art is often referred to as “poetry,”...
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Chapter 3. The Anthropology and History of Poetry
...Homer was a serious person, and he imitated admirable people. He developed the form of iambic verse and is known for his epic poetry.
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...scene-painting. Plot became more complex, satire was abandoned, and tragedy became associated with dignified people. Iambic form took the place of trochaic tetrameter—tetrameter is more like a dance, whereas iambic verse...
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Chapter 10. Epic
...can be used in an epic, such as heroic verse, which is “stately and grandiose.” Iambic verse imitates movement, but no one has composed a lengthy poem in anything other than...
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