The Use of Iambic Pentameter in the

could be grouped by the principles of proximity, similarity and common fate (see Figure
2). In panel A of Figure 2, for example, there is no grouping pattern because the dots are
identical to one another and evenly spaced. For this reason, a single row of independent
black dots is perceived. In panel B, however, the dots have been paired by location so
that there are two groups of dots, which demonstrates the grouping principle of
proximity. In panel C, the dots are paired by similar colors, which demonstrates grouping
by the principle of similarity. In panel D, the two moving dots are grouped separately
from a second group of two static dots, thereby demonstrating grouping by common fate.
Figure 2. Gestalt grouping principles shown in a single line of dots
Note. (a) Single row of evenly spaced dots. (b) Grouping by proximity. (c) Grouping by similarity. (d) Grouping by
common fate.
In addition to the previously mentioned principles, other principles guiding the
grouping of linear elements were discovered. In Figure 3A, two pairs of lines are mirror
reflections of one another and therefore appear to go together, therefore demonstrating
the principle of symmetry. In panel B, two sets of parallel lines form two groups of two
lines, demonstrating grouping by the principle of parallelism. In panel C, the smooth
continuous shape appears to be constructed of two lines, rather than four, as consistent
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