How to Write a Quatrain
The most common stanza form used in English poetry, a quatrain is simply a four-line stanza. It may have a rhyme scheme, a meter, both or neither. The term quatrain also refers to any four-line poem.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Consider the subject matter that you wish to write about.
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2
Look at different rhyme schemes before writing your poem and experiment with as many forms as you can. This will help you become more comfortable working with forms and you will be less likely to use the same form every time.
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3
Select a rhyme scheme either before or while writing. To make the rhyme scheme less noticeable, use slant rhymes and enjambment.
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4
Write four lines of poetry.
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5
Repeat as desired, but remember to skip a line when beginning a new stanza.
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6
Revise as needed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Variations abound but include heroic quatrain (iambic pentameter/any rhyme scheme); Italian quatrain (iambic pentameter/abba rhyme scheme); and Sicilian quatrain (iambic pentameter/abab rhyme scheme).
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Comments
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trechix
Feb 10, 2010
Couplets (AABB schemes), however are pretty basic. Try to vary with a scheme like ABAB. Example: The ivory frost snow lay on my hands, |A As the glorious winter come as a treat. |B I freeze in amazement and awe at the lands. |A This first sight at snow will surely replete. |B This means that the word at the end of the first and third lines rhyme, as well as the second and fourth. (A rhymes with A and obviously B rhymes with B) -
Theellyfrom1988
Jul 03, 2008
This weird comment above me now Just talks about couplets a lot But since its wrong I must speak out We really do not give a toss ABAB iambic tetrameter :D
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Theellyfrom1988
Jul 03, 2008
This weird comment above me now Just talks about couplets a lot But since its wrong I must speak out We really do not give a toss ABAB iambic tetrameter :D
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Jun 30, 2006
Try to write double couplet with a rhyme scheme, it will work, trust me. (example) The cat went to the food (a) and noticed he was out(b) so he went to his master and cooed(a) but then to his surprise is master shooed him out to leave to pout. (b)
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Jun 30, 2006
Try to write double couplet with a rhyme scheme, it will work, trust me. (example) The cat went to the food (a) and noticed he was out(b) so he went to his master and cooed(a) but then to his surprise is master shooed him out to leave to pout. (b)
