Write two rhyming couplets in imitation of the Miller's Tale in Modern English iambic pentameter. Remember that you should start with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one at least most of the time (that's the iambic part), and that there should be 5 stresses in the line (that's the pentameter). This will usually mean 10 syllables, although you'll note that Chaucer's lines sometimes have 11, ending in a "light" final e. You should not, therefore, begin a line with one of the names which is stressed on the first syllable (Alisoun, Nicholas, Absolon). How does Chaucer solve this problem?
Remember also that these lines are to be couplets, that is, pairs of rhymed lines. Chaucer's rhymes are usually fairly simple; yours can be too.
Here are some examples. The first is pretty good:
Sweet Alisoun has wed an older man And so she takes her pleasure where she can. She teases Absolon and poor old John While Nick can hardly keep his trousers on.
The lines which follow are not so good since the lines are not iambic (the lines have 10 syllables, but the stress pattern is not iambic in the first line, and in the 3rd "do" has been added to fill out the meter unnaturally).
Absolon was a funny little twerp Offended by a big fat raucous burp Well,truly, as I'm sure you all do know 'Twas not a burp but something from below.
The third example is not iambic, and it's not pentameter (count the syllables and stresses).
What I would like to know is this: Absalon got a misdirected kiss Nicholas got something worse yet But Alisoun, what did she get?
This assignment is due on February 10; if you can, submit your lines electronically and I will post the most entertaining examples for everyone to marvel at.
This assignment was inspired by Peter G. Beidler, who gets recognition whether he likes it or not. Questions, comments, or complaints, however, should go to Maud McInerney. February 1, 1999.