What is meter in poetry Answers.Com
Meter, simply put, is a metrical system in poetry by which the structure and flow of a poem is defined. It’s a key element of poetic writing, as it helps an author craft a poem’s sound, rhythm and pace. In other words, meter is the basic arrangement of words and syllables into a poetic line.
Meter involves the use of a variety of poetic devices such as meter, rhythm, balance and symmetry. The most common meters in English poetry are iambic, trochaic, dactylic, anapestic and spondaic, all of which are characterized by the presence of two or more identical “feet,” which are variations of shorter or longer rhythmic patterns. These “feet” are either long or short syllables.
An example of iambic meter in poetry is William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate”. Here, the poem’s meter is based on the iambic foot, which consists of two syllables, one short followed by one long. Thus, each line of the poem follows the same poetic pattern.
When used properly,meter can be a powerful tool to accentuate the beat, sound and mood of a poem. It can even change the meaning of a poem, by adding to the mood or shifting a line’s emphasis. Meter can also help readers understand and appreciate a poem in a unique way, by capturing the essence of the poem’s speaker and creating a corresponding effect for the reader.
Experts in the field say that meter is an integral part of the writing process, as it helps the writer determine the meaning of the poem. The meter of a poem can be used to help define the poem’s overall message, adding emphasis to a specific point in the poem or representing the speaker’s feelings in a more abstract way.
Tools to Create Meter
1. rhythms are lines used to create the poem’s sound, often in four-couplet sections where two consecutive lines sound like one.
2. Rhymes, which refer to two or more words that share the same sound, are an important component of meter in poetry.
3. Metered verse, in which the poet adheres to a predetermined pattern of rhythm and meter, is another tool for crafting a poem in a desired way.
4. Syllabic verse, which follows a predetermined pattern of either syllables per line, allows the poet to create a smooth and balanced pattern of poetry.
5. End-rhyme, repetition of the last syllable of each line within a poem, is often used to ensure that the poem reads in a pleasing way.
Types of Meter
1. The most common form of meter in poetry is iambic pentameter. It consists of five iambic feet in each line, created by alternating long and short syllables, which creates a kind of musical rhythm. An example of iambic pentameter can be found in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” with the line “Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”
2. Another popular meter in poetry is dactylic, which is made up of three syllables, usually with the last two being long. A famous example of dactylic meter can be found in the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, with the line “I am the master of my fate: / I am the captain of my soul.”
3. A third type of meter, anapestic, is made up of two long syllables and one short syllable, and is often used in poems and songs. A classic example of anapestic meter can be found in the poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore, with the line “But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— / “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
4. Another common meter in poetry is trochaic, which consists of two long syllables followed by one short. A famous example of trochaic meter can be found in the poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, with the line “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.”
5. The last type of meter, spondaic, consists of two long syllables side by side and is also used in poetry. An example of this can be found in the poem “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, with the line “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree.”
Using Variety
Variety is an important element of meter in poetry. While some poets might stick to one type of meter the entire time, others might utilize a mixture of various meters in order to enhance their poem’s overall sound and rhythm. By changing up the type of meter used, a poet can create a unique musical effect, or add emphasis to certain words or phrases.
Using several types of meter also gives the poem a more dynamic and engaging feel. The use of variety offers the poet a way to add interesting twists and turns in their work, and allows the reader to experience a richer and more rewarding journey through the poem.
Advanced Grammar Constructions
Meter in poetry can be used to create advanced grammar constructions in order to further accentuate certain words and phrases. Doing so brings attention to specific elements of the poem, and allows the reader to better understand the overall meaning.
For example, an author might use a series of lengthy clauses as a way to emphasize a particular sentiment. Similarly, they can also use caesuras (breaks mid-sentence) to create a sense of anticipation, or to add emphasis to certain words.
Another way authors can utilize meter to create advanced grammar constructions is through the use of flourishes. Such flourishes can be created by linking syntax (words and phrases) together in a certain way, or by using symbol-heavy language to add an extra layer of meaning to a poem.
Emotional Triggers
Using meter in poetry can be a great way to evoke emotion in the reader. By crafting the poem in a particular way and using specific techniques, authors can create a mood that relates to the poem’s content and message.
For example, a poem written in an iambic pentameter is likely to be filled with imagery and evoke a feeling of calm, while an anapestic may evoke a feeling of excitement or impatience. Similarly, a rhythm or meter that evokes a sense of acceleration can lead to a feeling of excitement or anticipation.
Using meter in this way is a great way for authors to add depth to their work and create an emotional response in the reader. By making use of meters in this way, authors can also help to create a more vivid and engaging literary landscape.
Conclusion
In short, meter in poetry is an important tool for authors, as it can help convey the poem’s message and create a unique effect for the reader. The most common meters in English poetry are iambic, trochaic, dactylic, anapestic and spondaic, all of which are characterized by the presence of two or more identical “feet”, which are variations of shorter or longer rhythmic patterns. With the right technique and style, meter can be a powerful tool to help both create and add meaning to a poem.
