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Sunday Scribblings #227: How to Write a Heroic Couplet

June 8, 2025

This week celebrates the Man of Steel, and while not all heroes wear capes, their stories often inspire awe—and sometimes, even poetry. So, in honor of Superman and everyday heroes alike, today I bring you the heroic couplet. Let’s leap into a few lines faster than a speeding bullet…

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Notepad and a pen over it with a cup of coffee next to it. words read Sunday Scribblings, and this is for Sunday Scribblings #227: How to Write Heroic Couplets

Poetic Sundays: The Heroic Couplet to Celebrate Superheroes

The heroic couplet is a pair of rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter, often used in epics and tales of valor, making these couplets perfect for delivering bold declarations and dramatic truths.

Before we dive into heroic couplets, here’s a quick guide on iambic pentameter:

  • Iamb = Each iamb is a two-syllable unit: the first is soft (unstressed), the second is strong (stressed). Think of words like a-GAIN, be-FORE, or re-LEASE.
  • Pentameter = “Penta” means five, so each line has five iambs:
    • da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM = The sun begins to rise above the hills.

Say your line out loud—if it flows like a steady beat, you’re on the right track! Start with a simple thought and shape it to the rhythm. And don’t stress about the stress: you can bend the rules slightly—poets do it all the time!

Now let us fly to celebrate Superman with verse fit for legends!

So what is a Heroic Couplet?

A Heroic Couplet is a pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter (that is, each line has 10 syllables in a pattern of unstressed-stressed beats: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).

While it gets its name from its early use in epic or heroic poetry, it has since been used in all sorts of poetic expression—from biting wit and satire to philosophical musing and romantic reflection.

The Heroic Couplet’s Characteristics

In its most basic form, the Heroic Couplet is:

  • A couplet: Each couplet is self-contained in thought, and can be linked to other couplets.
  • Metered: Most often iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line in unstressed-stressed rhythm), though some have changed it a bit
  • Rhymed: Always end-rhymed (AA, BB, etc.)
  • Themed: Commonly heroic, observational, or moral in tone—though today, anything goes!

Historically, they were a vehicle for grand declarations or moral truths, even satire. You’ll often find a “turn” or punchy conclusion in the second line—perfect for delivering a twist, a joke, or a revelation.

Examples:

From Aeneid by Virgil

Soon had their hosts in bloody battle join’d;
But westward to the sea the sun declin’d.

From Cooper’s Hill by John Denham

Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull;
Strong without rage, without o’erflowing full.

From Eloisa to Abelard by Alexander Pope

Then share thy pain, allow that sad relief;
Ah, more than share it, give me all thy grief.

Writing the Heroic Couplet

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Stick to iambic pentameter – that means five feet (pairs of syllables), each foot going da-DUM.
  2. End rhyme is essential – couplets must rhyme in pairs.
  3. Think in pairs of ideas – first line sets it up, second completes it. Or have one complete idea across the two lines.
  4. Play with tone – go lofty, go witty, go emotional, go ironic. The couplet can handle it all.
  5. Read aloud – the rhythm will guide your edits. Trust your ear.

Modern poets have stretched the form in interesting ways, but if you’re new to it, try starting with a few couplets on a single theme and keep the rhythm tight. While this form may be compact, there’s plenty of room here for depth, drama, and even mischief.

References, h/t, and Further Reading

My Attempt

💙 Four Pillars of Love: A Father’s Day Salute
For My Dad:
My dad—strongest man I’ve ever known,
With steady love, our family’s cornerstone.
For all who crossed his path, a warm hello,
A spirit bright enough to make hearts glow.
The grandkids saw his courage, quiet and true,
Their love for him in every hug they drew.
Through every trial, he stayed calm and wise,
Though gone, his love still helps my spirit rise.

For My Father-in-Law:
I always knew I had his full support,
in his kind eyes, I’d never come up short.
He loved new places, every sight and sound,
and shared that joy with all who were around.
His grandson saw a hero shining bright,
and sang to his granddaughter with delight.
Though now he’s gone, his warmth is always near,
in every sight and journey held so dear.

For My Husband:
My children’s father, my heart’s constant stand,
He spoils us all with wisdom close at hand.
He loves to teach and hopes our children grow,
With all the tools they’ll need to thrive and glow.
His humor shines and bright ideas abound,
A better friend and dad cannot be found.

For My Brother:
My niece’s dad, my quirky, wondrous bro,
A gem among all dads—it sure does show.
The little ones have loved him from the start,
To be a dad comes easy to his heart.
He plays, he laughs, and keeps the fun in flow,
A heart of gold with kindness all aglow.
~ Vidya Tiru @ LadyInReadWrites

Recently

At Home and On My Blog and Elsewhere

Posts that made their way out here since my last scribblings.

Upcoming

On My Blog & Homefront

A couple of posts at least and getting the home ready for the kiddos as they will be back home soon from college!!

Celebrations This Week For Us

Literary Celebrations (close-to-it also!)

  • Literary birthdays this week include: Patricia Cornwell and Paul Beatty on the 9th of June; Maurice Sendak on June 10th; Ben Jonson on 11th of June; Anne Frank and Johanna Spyri on June 12th; Audrey Niffenegger and William Butler Yeats on the 13th of June; 14th of June celebrates Harriet Beecher Stowe; William Mcfee on June 15th
  • Quack open the fun on June 9th—it’s National Donald Duck Day! And it is Writer’s Right Day too
  • Celebrate one of writing’s most trusty tools on June 10th with National Ballpoint Pen Day.
  • According to the National Today calendar, Superman Week runs from June 10 to June 13—a surprisingly short stretch for the Man of Steel. Still, it’s a super excuse to revisit those iconic comics any time!

Foodie Celebrations

Sweet and savory, here’s what’s cooking this week:

Other Celebrations

Related Reads and Stuff to Pair with Your Heroic Couplet!

Wrapping up my Sunday Scribblings

So dear reader, this was it for this post. As always, appreciate and totally welcome your thoughts, comments, and suggestions on these scribblings on Sunday! And which of these days in this wonderful week do you plan to celebrate? And what about you, dear reader – who will your heroic couplet celebrate?

Linking this to the Sunday Post over at the Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Salon

Superman lego with sky backdrop and title says Poetic Sundays: Heroic Couplet to Celebrate Superheroes

8 thoughts on “Sunday Scribblings #227: How to Write a Heroic Couplet”

  2. I don’t really understand the science behind the composition of the lyrics, but they are so beautiful. You paid a wonderful tribute to the men in your life.

  4. This is such a helpful guide to writing heroic couplets! Your step-by-step approach makes the process approachable for both beginners and seasoned poets.

  6. As someone who loves poetry but struggles with structure, I found your breakdown of heroic couplets so helpful. You’ve inspired me to try writing some of my own!

  8. What a sweet way to celebrate Superman Week, real-life heroes in rhyme! I admire how much heart and care went into each verse.

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