Meter in Poetry Flashcards

Study Notes

Meter in Poetry

Meter refers to the structured rhythm of poetry, characterized by alternating patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables.
It plays a crucial role in creating the musicality and flow of a poem.

Iambic Pentameter

Comprises five feet per line, where each foot features an unaccented syllable followed by an accented syllable.
Known for its flexible structure, it is often used in English dramatic verse and tends to create a natural speaking rhythm.
Shakespeare frequently utilized iambic pentameter in his plays, even in prose sections, known as blank verse.

Iambic Tetrameter

Consists of four feet per line, totaling eight syllables.
Creates a rhythm that is slightly quicker than iambic pentameter, often adding urgency to the verse.

Trochaic Meter

A foot type comprising a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one.
Often found in poetry to create a strong opening followed by a softer cadence, e.g., "stupid."

Anapestic Meter

Characterized by two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one (UU/).
This meter often evokes a playful or whimsical tone, as seen in the word "contradict."

Dactylic Meter

Composed of a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables (/UU).
Offers a galloping rhythm, adding energy to the line, as illustrated in the word "clumsiness."

Spondaic Meter

Features two stressed syllables (//), commonly emerging from combining two monosyllabic words.
Utilized for emphasis, as seen in the example of "snowstorm," enhancing the impact of the phrase.

Description

Explore essential terms related to meter in poetry with these flashcards. Understand concepts like 'Meter' and 'Iambic Pentameter' through concise definitions. Perfect for students wanting to deepen their knowledge of poetic structures.