Good Question!

From: cheyenne foster
To: ewcwriter@live.ca
Subject: Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:21:53 -0700

Q: Do the narrative and monologue poems have to rhyme or have a certain number of syllables per line?

A: Excellent question, Cheyenne, thanks for asking it.

The dramatic monlogue does not have to rhyme. Although the sample I gave you is written in iambic pentameter, more contemporary monologues are usually written in free verse.

The narrative poem could also be in free verse (in theory) so long as it tells a story. However, there is something about narrative poetry that usually results in them being written in regular lines or stanzas. Perhaps the regularity of the form enables readers or listeners to focus on the plot. So long as your poem tells an engaging and vivid story, I will be satisfied regardless of whether it is written as a free verse poem or not.

I hope this helps. Ask questions in the comment section if you would like clarification.

CP