Poetry is a unique form of literature renowned for its powerful use of words. By crafting meaningful and often emotive descriptions, poets have managed to express the deepest moments of human experience in just a line or two. Yet it’s not just the creative use of words which makes poetry memorable but also the specific structure and length of a poem. Understanding the rules of form and metre can help one to craft the verse that best conveys their message.
A line of poetry is often measured according to metre. The metre of a poem essentially determines how the words are shaped and how they ‘sound’ when read out loud. The structure or pattern of metre is usually based on specific syllables, with each line of a poem having a particular count of syllables. One of the most widely used metres is the iambic pentameter, which consists of five sets of unstressed then stressed syllables. The beat of this metre is said to track the five beats of the human heart and is common in Shakespearean sonnets and other works of romantic poetry.
The specific metre of a poem helps to establish the rhythm and feeling of a poem and can make it more powerful and memorable. Not all poems have a strict metre however and those which lack one are known as ‘free verse’. In this type of poem the length of each line often varies, giving the poem a more relaxed and free-flowing feel. Some contemporary poets choose to forgo the use of metre entirely, creating longer and often disjointed lines. Such style is often common among modernist poets.
The structure of a line of poetry can also be measured in terms of caesura or pauses. Caesura is a break in the line of a poem, usually near the middle, which helps to create emphasis and feeling. If used sparingly, the caesura can be effective in allowing the reader to pause and consider the emotions of the poem. In this way, it can be argued that the rule of line length, metre and caesura are as important to the power of a poem as the use of words itself.
In order to decide which type of metre or structuring to use when writing a poem, the author may decide to experiment with different patterns until they reach a mood or meaning they are satisfied with. By reading their poem out loud it is possible to focus on the metre rather than the words and assess whether it conveys the intended message. Additionally, it is possible to seek feedback from readers and poets to help critique and refine the meter of a poem and the overall effect it has.
The Importance of Rhyme
Rhyme is another key ingredient which can be used to give poetry structure and emotion. Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds at the end of words or lines of verse. Rhymes are sometimes linked with metre, for example with the use of an iambic pentameter, however some rhymes don’t actually have any relationship to the metre at all. In terms of effect, rhyme can be used to emphasise words and create a rhythm that resonates with the reader. It can also be used to give poetry a more enchanting and hypnotic feel. Additionally, rhyme can often mean that a poem is easier to remember, enabling it to more fully capture the mood and feeling of a piece.
Tone and Mood of a Poem
The tone and mood of a poem are seemingly two distinct concepts, yet like many aspects of poetry, they are often intertwined and interlinked. The tone of a poem is usually conveyed through the choice of words, the narrator’s experience and the speaker’s attitude to the subject. The mood of a poem is often a direct result of the tone, with the series of events unfolding over the course of the poem often creating a specific atmosphere or feeling in the reader. Tone and mood are thus as much a result of metre and structure as they are of words.
The Role of Stanzas
The final element of poetry which is often used to measure lines is the stanza. A stanza is a set of lines often separated according to a specific metre and rhyme. Stanzas are often connected in terms of theme and link together in terms of their cadence and and layout. Different types of stanzas often have various effects and a writer might choose to work sequentially through different types of stanza to develop the story they wish to tell. Additionally, some writers like to use stanzas to emphasise key events in a poem and cause a change in the tone or mood.
The Impact of Line Length
The length of each line in a poem can be used to provide a sense of enjambment and have an impact on the story being told. In some poems the writer may choose to use very short lines or lines of one or two words in order to have a sudden or impactful effect. It is also possible to use longer lines to allow for a more narrative structure or to provide an air of mystery or suspense. The way in which line length is used can often be quite distinct depending on the poet’s style and technique.
Conclusion of the Use of Metre
Overall, understanding the different ways in which a line of poetry can be measured can be a crucial part of understanding the power of poetry. Whilst metre and rhyme can provide structure and add impact to a poem, the length of a line and the use of caesura can often determine the atmosphere and emotion of a work. An understanding of these techniques is thus essential for any savoury writer, enabling them to craft works that capture the desired feeling and emotions.
The Effect of Rhyming
Rhyme is often seen to be an integral element of poetry, with a simple matching of similar words at the end of lines capable of adding depth and emotion to a work. In some cases, the use of rhyme can even make a poem more memorable and engaging to the reader, allowing the words to resound and stick in the memory. Whilst some writers prefer to use a strict form of rhyme, such as two lines that end in exact similarity, others choose to use a more complex arrangement known as a ‘rhyme scheme’. A rhyme scheme allows for more intricate relationships between lines and words and can give a poem an impressive rhythm and feel.
Explaining Metaphors
Metaphors are a powerful tool that poets use to allow readers to gain an understanding or insight into an idea beyond what can be physically perceived. By expressing ideas through images and comparisons, metaphors can often provide a deeper sense of meaning and enhance the understanding of the reader. Whilst some metaphors can be simple and straightforward, such as a comparison with a rose, others can be more complicated, borrowing from religious or philosophical traditions.
The Role of Similes
Similes are another literary device often used to enhance the understanding of a poem. Similes are comparisons between two seemingly dissimilar ideas, introduced by the use of the words ‘like’ and ‘as’. By containing two distinct elements, similes are often more complex than metaphors and provide interesting ways in which to present ideas. Additionally, similes can often be used to provide a humorous aspect to a poem and add an air of mystery and intrigue.
The Use of Imagery
For many poets, imagery is one of the most important techniques for conveying a message. Imagery is essentially the use of figurative language which draws on the five senses in order to create a vivid picture in the mind of the reader. Such language often enables the reader to emotionally connect with the poem and offer insights into the experience of the protagonist. Of course, imagery is also used to provide sparkling and often amusing descriptions, and is especially useful for those writers seeking to create an image of fantasy or satire.
The Use of Poetic Devices
Poetic devices are a range of tools and techniques that writers use in order to create powerful poetry. These include the use of assonance and alliteration, which are respectively the repetition of vowel and consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Another popular device is apostrophe, where the poet directly addresses another character or concept. These tools often allow the writer to evoke emotion, create a pun or emphasize the desired meaning.
