Definition
Scanning is a poetic tool that allows a poet to manipulate the sounds of their words. It is the process of dividing lines of a poem into certain types of feet which are determined by the length of time it takes to read or speak each syllable. This time is based off a certain type of accentual-syllabic rhythm, also known as poetic meter. Scanning a poem means recognizing the types of feet in each line, which can allow its reader to identify the rhythm of the poem. Through scanning, the writer can ensure that the poem’s cadence and its choice of words flow in harmony.
Rhythm
At it’s most basic level, poetic meter is a set of conventions that help poets form their words into lines that are pleasing to the ear of a reader or listener when the poem is read aloud. This form of poetic meter is usually based on a stressed syllable, as opposed to a syllable of any length such as in classical Greek or Latin verse. Each syllable is assigned a certain rhythm or “foot” that follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. When these syllables are strung together, a poetic metre or rhythm is formed. Some common poetic metres are iambic pentameter, trochaic, and anapestic.
Scansion
Scansion is the process of analyzing a poem to determine the types of feet occurring in a poem and their quantity. Scansion of a poem is determined by the use of quantitative analysis which divides each line into syllables, and the quantity of stressed and unstressed syllables. To perform scansion the poet must identify where the stresses fall within the line of poetry. This is done by placing symbols denoting the type of foot before and after each syllable. Marking of poetic feet can help a reader determine the poem’s rhythm and sound pattern.
Purpose
The purpose of scanning is to identify the types of feet being used in the poem, to determine whether the feet match the metre, and to provide visual representation of poet’s rhythm. It can determine the poet’s theme and feelings by studying the poem’s flow. Scansion is also important because it allows the reader to appreciate the poem more deeply, as the prosody and the rhyme scheme of the poem can be studied in order to better understand the overall tone and mood. For poetry, sound is very important and scansion is a tool to help you recognize and appreciate the subtle nuances in the poem such as pauses, line breaks and other varied kinds of speech-like patterns.
Examples
A simple example of using scansion to study the prosody of a poem is the famous William Wordsworth poem “The World Is Too Much with Us”. This poem is written in iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter is composed of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, forming a five beat rhythm with each line having five stressed syllables. Therefore, each line scanned would use an “/” to denote an unstressed syllable and an “x” to denote a stressed syllable, “/x /x /x /x /x”.
For example,
“The World Is Too Much with Us”
The verse can be scannable as
“/x / /x /x /x /x /x”
Modern Context
Scanning has been an essential tool in modern poetry for understanding the different poetic forms and for appreciating the ideas and messages being conveyed in a poem. Modern poets use scansion to actively construct their poem in order to achieve the desired effect and create powerful imagery. By charting the different kinds of feet in a poem, the poet and reader can receive a better understanding of how the poem will sound and flow when read.
Techniques
Some of the techniques used for scanning are analogy, variance, and the regular use of caesuras. Analogy is the method of using similar words or sounds in order to create a particular rhythm. Variance is a technique used to break up the monotony and to give the poem variation. A caesura is a break in the poem’s flow and is used to add emphasis and create a restful pause. These techniques help the poet create meaning and message through the sound of their lines.
Analysis
The analysis of a poem through scansion and scanning gives the poet a better understanding of their rhythm and sound pattern. It allows them to create the desired effect by adjusting the number of feet in each line. Scanning can help the reader appreciate the poet’s message and tone as well as to experience the poem itself. As a poetic device, scansion is an important tool for the poet to manipulate and create sound as an integral part of their poem.
Prosody
Prosody is the study of changes in pitch, volume and intonation to express meaning or create a desired effect in the poem. Through scansion, the poet can study prosody and the way the poem sounds when read out loud. This can enable the poet to create a poem that evokes a desired solemnity, lightness, or any other emotion. Prosodic shifts can also create significantly more artistic variation as the poem is meant to be read aloud and sound as it was intended to be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scanning a poem is an important tool for writing and analyzing poetry. It helps the poet to determine the rhythm of their poem and the theme of their poem. It also enables the poet and reader to appreciate the poet’s message and the poem itself by analyzing the language, meter, and cadence of the poem. Scansion can help the poet to create a desired effect in the poem and appreciate its musicality. By combining different techniques and tools, a perfect poem can be created and appreciated.
