Here's a breakdown:
Structure:
* Lines: 6 lines
* Meter: Each line is in iambic hexameter, meaning it has 6 metrical feet, each consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
* Rhyme scheme: AABBAA
Example:
The following lines from the poem "The Death of the Ball" by Alfred Lord Tennyson are written in Alexandrian stanzas:
> And one there is, no other, who can claim
> Any kinship with her; she is fair
> As the first woman, and her face is flame
> But in her eyes is something not so rare
> Beauty, but something that can bring a tear
> And make a man forget that he is man.
Key Characteristics:
* Elegance and formality: Alexandrian stanzas, with their formal structure and stately meter, often convey a sense of solemnity and grandeur.
* Narrative potential: The six lines can effectively tell a story or develop a theme over a short span.
* Lyrical quality: The iambic hexameter, combined with the rhyme scheme, creates a rhythmic flow that can be quite lyrical.
Note: While it originated in ancient Alexandria, the Alexandrian stanza is rarely used today. However, its history and unique structure make it a fascinating poetic form to explore.