Heroic Couplet in Restoration Literature
A heroic couplet is two lines of verse (in ten syllables each), which rhyme. It does not, however, contrary to popular belief, rescue puppies from burning buildings, help old ladies across streets, or untie damsels in distress from railroad tracks.
History time: The Heroic Couplet in English literature was pioneered by Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages, but it wasn't until the Restoration came along that the use of this structure in English poetry became widespread. And that was thanks to one man: John Dryden. Dryden was so good at coming up with Heroic Couplets, he singlehandedly helped make them an essential part of English poetry. He's the hero of the Heroic Couplet.
Chew on This
John Dryden is a master of Heroic Couplets. Check out his use of these couplets in his poem "To His Sacred Majesty: A Panegyrick on His Coronation."
Even though Alexander Pope came after the Restoration writers, he followed their lead in using Heroic Couplets in his poetry. Have a look at these couplets (Quote #1) from his famous poem The Rape of the Lock.