iambic pentameter is a type of poetic meter commonly used in English poetry. It consists of lines that have ten syllables, arranged in five pairs called iambs. Each iamb has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a rhythmic pattern that sounds like a heartbeat: da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM. This rhythm gives the poetry a natural flow and musical quality. Many famous poets, including William Shakespeare and John Milton, often used iambic pentameter in their works. For example, in Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently speak in this meter, making their dialogue both engaging and memorable. The structure allows poets to convey complex emotions while maintaining a pleasing rhythm.