Emphasis and Contrast:
* Highlighting key words or phrases: Breaking the meter can draw attention to a specific word or phrase, emphasizing its importance or emotional weight.
* Creating a sense of surprise or disruption: An unexpected deviation from the established rhythm can create a jarring effect, making the reader pause and consider the change.
* Contrasting the expected with the unexpected: By alternating between strict meter and variations, the poet can highlight the difference between normalcy and something outside the norm, creating a sense of tension or intrigue.
Emotional Impact:
* Reflecting the speaker's emotions: A change in meter can mirror the speaker's changing emotional state. For instance, a more rapid, irregular rhythm might reflect heightened anxiety or excitement.
* Evoking a specific feeling: Certain meters are associated with particular emotions. A more relaxed rhythm might evoke tranquility, while a more forceful rhythm might suggest anger or passion.
Musicality and Sound Devices:
* Enhancing the music of the poem: Variations in meter can create a more complex and interesting sonic experience, similar to the way a musician might use variations in tempo and rhythm.
* Creating internal rhyme or assonance: Deviations from the meter can sometimes create unexpected rhymes or assonance, adding to the musicality of the poem.
Content and Meaning:
* Reflecting the subject matter: The meter can be used to reflect the rhythm or flow of the subject being described. For instance, a poem about a fast-paced event might use a faster meter.
* Creating a specific tone or atmosphere: A change in meter can help establish a specific tone or atmosphere. A more formal meter might create a sense of seriousness, while a more informal meter might create a sense of playfulness.
Ultimately, the decision to vary from a strict meter is a deliberate choice made by the poet to enhance the poem's overall effect and meaning. The poet considers how these variations contribute to the poem's music, emotion, and content, creating a more dynamic and engaging reading experience.