An Introduction to Metre

The aim of the class is for students to be able to identify the four basic metres in English language poetry and be able to write poetry in at least two (iambic and trochaic). Students will also be introduced to problems of writing in these metres and acceptable solutions. The class will be exercised in the scansion of poetry and the use basic scansion principles to check their own writing for compliance with metrical requirements.

A site contest (Write a Minute Poem) will be held, for newcomers only, to decide the award of a free seat on this class. If you are entering this contest do not sign up for the class until after the result of the contest is announced.

Week 1 (2 Sessions) - Metre and Rhythm - similarities and differences, examples of the four most common metres in English poetry. Assignments - identifying different metres

Week 2 (2 Sessions) Writing in iambic metre - some pitfalls and solutions. Assignments - Write poetry in iambic and trochaic metre.

Week 3 (2 Sessions) Scansion - what it is and why. Assignments - scan your own work and that of others.

Week 4 (2 Sessions) - Problems and solutions choosing the right word e.g. above or over, under or below. Use and misuse of metre in free verse.

Week 5 (1 Session) Revision and questions



Instructor: James Bartlett

About The Instructor: Jim Bartlett is an ex-Royal Marine Officer, and retired teacher, with a good honours degree in Education, and English and Drama, from London University. He has been a member of a local poetry group in South Wales where he currently lives alone in a redundant farm house.

Jim started writing while serving with 45 Commando, Royal Marines in Aden in the mid 1960s. At that time he was writing mainly song lyrics but later moved on to poetry after studying it on his degree course, which he undertook as a mature student between 1972 and 1976.

He has been published in poetry magazines and newspapers from time to time. In 2005 he produced a CD of self-penned songs under the title of "Tomorrow Never Comes", and published a poetry collection of thirty-six poems in 2012 entitled, "Triple Dozen" prior to joining FanStory in March 2015. His songs and poems have won several competitions.

Jim has also lectured on English Folk Lore and Song for the WEA in SE London in the late 1970s. He was urged to enrol as an instructor on FanStory by many who found his reviews of their poetry particularly helpful.