5 Famous Types of Couplets Explained With Examples
Explore couplet poems: rules, types, and examples. Learn how to write them and discover famous poets' works.
Couplets are a simple and important form of poetry that has been used for centuries across various cultures. They're short and sweet, making them easy to remember and interesting to read.
Famous poets like Alexander Pope, Geoffrey Chaucer, and William Shakespeare used couplets to create beautiful poetry.
According to the Modern Poetry Survey, around 15% of contemporary poets use couplets in their work, indicating their ongoing appeal.
This guide will explain the basic rules of writing couplets, the different kinds that exist, and examples from famous poets. By the end, you'll be ready to try writing your own couplets!
Definition
A couplet is a pair of lines in a poem. These two lines usually go together and have the same rhythm. Often, the last words of both lines rhyme.
Couplets can be part of longer poems or stand alone. They're used to express ideas quickly and clearly. Some couplets finish a complete thought, while others connect to the next lines.
Poets use couplets to make their words sound nice and be easy to remember. You can find couplets in many kinds of poems, from old stories to modern songs.
Many people find poetry intimidating, but couplets offer a perfect entry point for beginners. Their simplicity and brevity make them accessible to everyone.
"Your friend says poetry is hard"
"Just remind them about couplets—two lines, pure magic."
Types of couplet poems
Here are the types of couplet poems:
1. Heroic couplets
Heroic couplets are pairs of lines with ten syllables each. These couplets rhyme and use a rhythm called iambic pentameter. Poets often use them to tell stories or share big ideas.
These couplets sound strong and important, like a hero's voice. Famous poets like Alexander Pope use heroic couplets in long poems to talk about serious topics.
Here's an example:
"The sun descends, the sky turns deep and dark,
As night arrives, the stars begin to spark."
2. Closed couplets
Closed couplets finish a complete thought in just two lines. They stand alone and make sense by themselves. Each closed couplet is like a tiny poem.
Poets use them to make sharp, clear points. They're great for sayings or quick descriptions. You can often find closed couplets in short, funny poems or at the end of longer ones.
For example:
"The cookie jar sits empty on the shelf,
I ate them all, I just couldn't help myself."
3. Open couplets
Open couplets connect to the lines around them. They don't finish a thought on their own. Instead, they flow into the next lines of the poem.
These couplets help build longer ideas across many lines. Poets use open couplets to create smooth, connected poems. They're common in big poems that tell stories or explore complex feelings.
Here's an example:
"The river rushes, wild and free,
Past rocks and trees. Its journey
Continues on, day and night,
A never-ending water flight."
4. Shakespearean couplets
Shakespearean couplets appear at the end of his sonnets. They sum up or give a twist to the poem's main idea. These couplets rhyme and have ten syllables each.
Shakespeare used them to make strong endings for his love poems and deep thoughts. They often contain the most important message of the whole sonnet.
Here's an example:
"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee."
5. Split couplets
Split couplets break the usual rules. The two lines might be far apart in the poem, or the rhyme might be hidden inside the lines instead of at the end.
Poets use split couplets to surprise readers or create special effects. They can make a poem feel playful or mysterious. Split couplets show how flexible and creative poetry can be.
For example:
"The cat, so sleek and black,
Watch birds with eyes of gold.
Always ready to attack,
Its tail twitches, silent and bold."
Rules of writing couplet poems
These are the important rules of writing couplet poems:
- Two lines - A couplet always has two lines. These lines work together to express a complete idea or thought. In a poem, you might find one couplet or many couplets in a row.
- Rhyme (AA rhyme scheme) - In most couplets, the last words of both lines rhyme. This is called an AA rhyme scheme. For example, if the first line ends with "night," the second line might end with "bright" or "sight."
- Meter - Meter is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. In couplets, both lines usually have the same meter. This creates a steady rhythm as you read. A common meter for couplets is iambic pentameter, which has ten syllables per line with a "da-DUM" rhythm. But poets can use other meters too, depending on what feels right for their poem.
Steps to write couplet poems
Following are the steps of writing couplet poems:
1. Choose a theme
Pick a subject for your poem. It can be anything you like - nature, feelings, or a story. Your theme will guide what you write about. Think about what you want to say and how you want readers to feel. Having a clear theme helps you stay focused as you write your couplets.
2. Write the first line
Start with one line that introduces your idea. Make it clear and interesting. Count the syllables or beats in this line - you'll want the next line to match. Try to end this line with a word that's easy to rhyme. Remember, this line sets the tone for your couplet.
However, you can also brainstorm more ideas or even create a complete poem using an AI poem writer. It will help you to make an interesting couplet poem in just a couple of seconds.
3. Write the second line
Create a second line that goes with the first. It should continue the idea and match the rhythm of the first line. Make sure the last word rhymes with the end of the first line. The two lines should work together to express a complete thought or image.
4. Revise and edit
Look at your couplet again.
- Does it say what you want?
- Are there any words you could change to make it stronger or clearer?
Check for spelling and punctuation mistakes. You might need to rewrite parts to make your couplet the best it can be.
Writing couplets can be a refreshing break from daily tasks. Their concise nature makes them a quick and enjoyable creative exercise.
"When you realize couplets are shorter than your to-do list"
"And way more fun to write!"
Examples
These are some famous couplet poems:
Love couplet poems
1. Sonnet 18
Poet: William Shakespeare
Written in: 1609
"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee."
2. Paradise Lost
Poet: John Milton
Written in: 1667
"Him the Almighty Power
Hurled headlong flaming from th’ ethereal sky."
3. To His Coy Mistress
Poet: Andrew Marvell
Written in: 1681
"Love you ten years before the Flood,
And you should, if you please, refuse."
4. The Vanity of Human Wishes
Poet: Samuel Johnson
Written in: 1749
"All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey."
Couplet poems for Nature
1. A Narrow Fellow in the Grass
Poet: Emily Dickinson
Written in: 1865
"But never met this fellow
Attended or alone."
2. Lines Written in Early Spring
Poet: William Wordsworth
Written in: 1798
"Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; and flowers."
3. Ode to a Nightingale
Poet: John Keats
Written in: 1819
"Thou was not born for death, immortal Bird!
No hungry generations tramp thee down."
4. The Road Not Taken
Poet: Robert Frost
Written in: 1916
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by."
4. Friendship couplet poems
1. Friendship
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Written in: 1841
"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.
Before him I may think aloud."
2. Devotions upon Emergent Occasions
Poet: John Donne
Written in: 1624
"No man is an island, entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."
3. The Prophet
Poet: Khalil Gibran
Written in: 1923
"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity."
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you."
4. The Song of Hiawatha
Poet: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Written in: 1855
"Friendship is a sheltering tree,
Beneath whose branches all can find a place to be."
Couplet poem about Celebration
1. A Song of Celebration
Poet: John Milton
Written in: 1667
"Hail holy Light, offspring of Heaven firstborn,
Or of the Eternal coeternal beam!"
2.The Ode to Joy
Poet: Friedrich Schiller
Written in: 1785
"Joy, beautiful spark of the gods,
Daughter from Elysium,"
3. To a New Year
Poet: William Blake
Written in: 1794
"O thou who passest thro’ our vallies in
Joy of the morning, our sweetest ray of light,"
4. A Wedding Toast
Poet: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Written in: 1855
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height"
Conclusion
Couplet poems are a fun and simple way to express ideas in just two lines. When writing couplets, remember to focus on rhyme, rhythm, and sharing a complete thought. Famous poets have used couplets to talk about love, nature, and friendship.
You can start writing your own couplets by choosing a theme, creating your lines carefully, and practicing. Why not give it a try? Couplets are a great way to start your poetry or add variety to your writing.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of couplets?
The main types are heroic couplets, closed couplets, open couplets, Shakespearean couplets, and split couplets. Each type has its own style and usage.
2. How does a closed couplet differ from an open couplet?
Closed couplets express a complete thought in two lines and stand alone, while Open Couplets connect to the following lines and build longer ideas.
3. What is the rhyme scheme in couplets?
Most couplets follow an AA rhyme scheme, where the last words of both lines rhyme with each other.
4. How do I write a couplet poem?
Choose a theme, write two lines that rhyme and match in rhythm, and check for smoothness and clarity. Revise as needed for the best result.
5. What is the role of a meter in couplets?
Meter provides a rhythmic pattern to the lines, helping to create a steady and pleasing rhythm. Common meter for couplets is iambic pentameter.
6. Are couplets used in modern poetry?
Yes, couplets are still used in modern poetry. They remain popular due to their simplicity and effectiveness in conveying ideas quickly.
