Think of it like a chapter in a novel, but for a poem. Each canto can have its own theme, focus, or narrative arc.
Here are some key points about cantos:
* Common in epic poetry: Cantos are most commonly found in long, narrative poems like epics. Famous examples include Dante's *Divine Comedy* and Ezra Pound's *The Cantos*.
* Not always used: Some long poems are not divided into cantos.
* Vary in length: The length of a canto can vary, from a few lines to many pages.
* Can be numbered: Cantos are often numbered to indicate their order within the poem.
* Provide structure: Cantos break up long poems and make them more manageable for readers. They can also create a sense of rhythm and flow.
Think of it this way:
A poem is like a journey. Cantos are like the stops along the way. Each stop offers a new perspective, a new challenge, or a new revelation.
Hopefully, this helps you understand what a canto is in poetry!