Poetry






















Rhythm

Poems are structured by the rhythm of the stressed syllables in each line. Rhythm is created by the recurrence of stressed and unstressed sounds and is most apparent when a poem is read aloud. “Meter” refers to the type and number of rhythmic units in the lines. A “foot” is the metrical unit by which a line of poetry is measured, and which makes up the meter. A “caesura” is a pause within a line. The combination of these elements is what gives poetry its rhythm.
 

Click on one of the elements of rhythm at the right to reveal an example of it. To hear the poem read aloud, click the Play button.