How does blank verse differ from free verse?

Blank verse and free verse are distinct poetic forms that differ primarily in their use of rhythm and metrical structure.

• Blank verse is defined as unrhymed verse, specifically written in iambic pentameter. This means each line typically consists of ten syllables arranged in five metrical feet, with each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. While it eschews rhyme, it maintains a consistent, repeating rhythmic pattern. It has historically served as a preeminent form for English dramatic and narrative poetry, used by authors such as William Shakespeare and John Milton.123

• Free verse does not follow a regular metrical scheme or a consistent rhythmic pattern. Instead, it is organized according to the cadences of speech and patterns of imagery, utilizing elements like sound, word choice, and phrase structure rather than traditional prosodic units like metrical feet. While it is "free" from the constraints of traditional meter, poets often employ carefully controlled techniques to create a unique, flexible rhythm suited to modern language.456