What is trochee in poetry?

A trochee is a metrical foot in poetry, consisting of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. This is the opposite of an iamb, which has an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

Here are some examples of trochees:

* "Happy"

* "Never"

* "Broken"

* "Falling"

In poetry, a trochaic meter is often used to create a feeling of force, urgency, or emphasis. It can also be used to create a sense of elegance or formality.

Here are some examples of poems written in trochaic meter:

* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: This poem uses a trochaic octameter (eight trochees per line) to create a dark and haunting atmosphere.

* "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: This poem uses a trochaic tetrameter (four trochees per line) to create a sense of excitement and drama.

Here's how to identify a trochee in a poem:

1. Read the poem aloud, paying attention to the natural emphasis of the words.

2. Identify the syllables that receive the most emphasis.

3. If the stressed syllable comes first in the two-syllable unit, then you have a trochee.

Remember:

* Trochaic meter is not the only type of meter used in poetry. Other common meters include iambic, spondaic, and anapestic.

* Not all poems written in trochaic meter will follow the pattern perfectly. There may be occasional variations in the meter for emphasis or other stylistic reasons.

By understanding trochees and other metrical feet, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the structure and rhythm of poetry.