1. Meter:
* Identify the meter: Is it iambic pentameter (five iambs per line), trochaic tetrameter (four trochees per line), or something else?
* Compare the regularity: Does the meter remain consistent throughout the poem, or does it vary? How does the variation affect the rhythm and the overall effect?
* Look for deviations: Does the poet use enjambment (line breaks that disrupt the meter)? Are there any instances of extra syllables or missing syllables? How do these deviations contribute to the poem's rhythm?
2. Rhyme Scheme:
* Identify the rhyme scheme: Is it ABCB, AABB, or something else?
* Compare the types of rhymes: Are they perfect rhymes, slant rhymes, or internal rhymes? How do the different types of rhymes create different sounds and effects?
* Consider the impact: Does the rhyme scheme create a sense of order and regularity, or does it add to the poem's sense of chaos or disjointedness?
3. Sound Devices:
* Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers")
* Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds (e.g., "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain")
* Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds, but not at the beginning of words (e.g., "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers")
* Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds (e.g., "buzz", "crash", "bang")
Compare how these devices are used in different poems and their impact on the rhythm and overall effect.
4. Effect:
* Consider the tone and mood: How does the rhythm contribute to the poem's tone? Is it light and playful, serious and somber, or something else?
* Analyze the pacing: Does the rhythm create a sense of speed or slowness? Does it feel hurried or relaxed?
* Reflect on the overall impact: What is the overall effect of the poem's rhythm on the reader? Does it make the poem more engaging, memorable, or thought-provoking?
5. Context:
* Consider the historical context: How does the rhythm reflect the poetry of the time period?
* Think about the poet's intention: What was the poet trying to achieve through the use of rhythm?
Comparing rhythm poetry is more than just identifying the technical elements. It's about understanding how those elements contribute to the overall effect of the poem.
Example:
Compare the rhythm of "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe with "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.
* "The Raven" employs a regular iambic pentameter and an AABB rhyme scheme. The use of internal rhyme and alliteration adds to the poem's dark and brooding tone.
* "The Road Not Taken" uses a more conversational rhythm and a simpler ABCB rhyme scheme. The poem's rhythm reflects the speaker's journey of self-discovery and the choices we make in life.
By analyzing these elements, you can draw meaningful comparisons and develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry of rhythm in poetry.