What is meter?A.A stressed syllable in a wordB.A pattern of consonant soundsC.A set pattern of rhythm in a poemD.A normally unstressed syllable

Understanding Meter in Poetry

Meter is a fundamental concept in poetry that deals with the rhythmic structure of verses. It involves the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in a consistent pattern throughout a poem, which creates rhythm and enhances the musicality of the lines.

1. Definition of Meter: In poetry, meter refers to the structured rhythm that is created through the arrangement of stressed (strong) and unstressed (weak) syllables.
2. Importance of Stressed and Unstressed Syllables: The interplay between stressed and unstressed syllables helps delineate the rhythmic tempo of a poem. Different types of metrical patterns, such as iambic, trochaic, anapestic, and dactylic, rely on these relationships.
3. Connection to the Options Provided:
   • A refers to a stressed syllable in a word, which is part of meter but not the definition itself.
   • B pertains to consonant sounds, which are related to sound patterns but not directly to meter.
   • C describes a set pattern of rhythm in a poem, which accurately defines meter.
   • D defines an unstressed syllable, which is a component of meter but again not the definition.

Final Answer

C. A set pattern of rhythm in a poem is the correct definition of meter.