Questions and Answers
What is meter in poetry?
A regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry
What is iambic pentameter?
A common meter in poetry consisting of an unrhymed line with five feet or accents, each foot containing an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.
How many feet are in iambic tetrameter?
4 feet (8 syllables)
What characterizes a trochaic foot?
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What is the pattern of anapestic meter?
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What is the pattern of dactylic meter?
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What characterizes spondaic meter?
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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.
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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.
