1. Meter:
* Identifying the metrical feet: The basic unit of rhythm in poetry is called a foot. Each foot consists of a specific combination of stressed and unstressed syllables. Common metrical feet include:
* Iamb: Unstressed / Stressed (e.g., "again")
* Trochee: Stressed / Unstressed (e.g., "happy")
* Anapest: Unstressed / Unstressed / Stressed (e.g., "understand")
* Dactyl: Stressed / Unstressed / Unstressed (e.g., "happily")
* Spondee: Stressed / Stressed (e.g., "heartbreak")
* Counting the feet per line: Once you've identified the type of foot, count how many feet are in each line of the poem. This number determines the meter of the line. For example, a line with five iambs is called pentameter.
* Recognizing variations: Many poems don't have perfectly regular meters. There might be variations within a line or between lines. These variations can be intentional and contribute to the overall rhythm and effect of the poem.
2. Rhyme scheme:
* Identifying rhyme pairs: Look for words at the ends of lines that sound similar. These are called rhymes.
* Notating the rhyme scheme: Use letters to indicate the rhyme scheme. For example:
* ABAB: Lines 1 and 3 rhyme, and lines 2 and 4 rhyme.
* AABB: Lines 1 and 2 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 rhyme.
* ABCB: Lines 1 and 3 rhyme, and lines 2 and 4 rhyme.
* Recognizing complex schemes: Some poems have more complex rhyme schemes, involving multiple rhyming lines or internal rhymes within lines.
Example:
Let's analyze the opening lines of "Sonnet 18" by William Shakespeare:
> Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
> Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
> Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
> And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
* Meter: The lines are predominantly iambic pentameter (five iambs per line). You can hear the pattern of unstressed/stressed syllables: "Shall I / comPARE / thee TO / a SUM / mer's DAY?"
* Rhyme scheme: The rhyme scheme is ABAB: "day" rhymes with "May," and "temperate" rhymes with "date."
Tips for recognizing rhythmic patterns:
* Read the poem aloud: This will help you hear the natural rhythm of the language.
* Mark the stressed syllables: Underline or circle the stressed syllables in each line to visualize the pattern.
* Look for variations: Be aware that not all poems follow perfect meters or rhyme schemes. Pay attention to how the poet uses deviations for effect.
* Consult resources: There are many online resources and poetry handbooks that provide explanations of different meters and rhyme schemes.
By understanding the meter and rhyme scheme of a poem, you can gain a deeper appreciation for its structure, sound, and overall meaning.