How many lines are there in a couplet?

As an expert in the field of literature and poetry, I often delve into the intricacies of various poetic forms. One such form that has captured the imagination of poets and readers alike is the couplet. The couplet is a fundamental unit of poetry that is both simple and versatile, often serving as the building block for more complex poetic structures.
When we consider the structure of a couplet, it's important to understand that it is defined by its brevity and symmetry. A couplet is a pair of successive lines of verse that are typically rhymed. This means that the second line of a couplet echoes the sound of the first, creating a harmonious and rhythmic effect. The rhyme can be perfect, where the words sound identical, or it can be slant, where the words have similar but not identical sounds.
The couplet has been a staple in many poetic traditions around the world, including English, Chinese, and French poetry. In English poetry, couplets are often used in sonnets, where they can be found in the final two lines of a quatrain, known as the rhyme scheme. In Chinese poetry, the couplet is a common feature of classical poetry, where they are used to express a complete thought or sentiment in just two lines.
Now, to answer your question directly: A couplet traditionally consists of two lines. This is derived from the very etymology of the word "couple," which implies a pair or a duo. The simplicity of the couplet belies its potential for complexity and depth. Poets often use couplets to contrast ideas, to develop a theme, or to create a sense of closure within a stanza or a poem.
However, it's worth noting that while the basic definition of a couplet is two lines, there are variations and exceptions in different poetic forms. For instance, in some forms of poetry, a couplet can be part of a larger stanza where each stanza consists of multiple couplets. An example of this is the terza rima, a three-line stanza form used by Dante in "The Divine Comedy," where the rhyme scheme follows an ABA, BCB, CDC, etc., pattern, with each pair of lines forming a mini-couplet.
In conclusion, while the traditional couplet is made up of two lines, the concept can be expanded and adapted to fit various poetic structures and styles. The couplet's simplicity and symmetry make it a powerful tool for poets to convey meaning, evoke emotion, and create rhythm in their work.

A couplet is a simple rhyming poem consisting of only two lines, or of multiple rhyming stanzas consisting of two lines each. Think of a --couple--, which means --two--, and you will remember how many lines a couplet has.