Meter

Definition

Meter is the rhythmic structure of verses in poetry, determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. It plays a critical role in establishing the musicality and emotional tone of a poem, often guiding how the reader experiences the rhythm and flow. In different forms of poetry, particularly in the 19th century, meter can reflect the thematic elements and stylistic choices of the poet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meter serves as a foundation for various poetic forms, influencing how poets convey meaning and emotion through rhythm.
2. In Victorian poetry, meter was often employed to create a formal structure that allowed poets to explore complex themes while maintaining a lyrical quality.
3. The use of meter can evoke different moods; for instance, a steady meter might create calmness, while irregular meter can generate tension or surprise.
4. Many poets experimented with meter during the 19th century, pushing boundaries by mixing different metrical patterns within a single poem to enhance its expressive power.
5. Understanding meter is essential for analyzing the impact of specific word choices and phrasing in poetry, as it shapes how lines are read and interpreted.

Review Questions

• How does meter influence the emotional tone and overall experience of Victorian poetry?
  • Meter significantly influences the emotional tone in Victorian poetry by establishing rhythmic patterns that align with the themes being explored. For example, consistent metrical patterns can create a sense of order and harmony, while variations in meter can introduce chaos or tension. Poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning skillfully employed meter to evoke specific feelings and enhance the reader's connection to the subject matter.
• Discuss how the use of meter in dramatic monologues impacts character development and voice.
  • In dramatic monologues, meter plays a crucial role in shaping character development and voice. The chosen meter often reflects the speaker's personality, emotions, and psychological state. For instance, a rigid metrical pattern can indicate control or formality, while irregularities may suggest instability or emotional turmoil. This interplay between meter and voice allows poets like Browning to create rich characterizations that engage readers on multiple levels.
• Evaluate how experimenting with meter reflects the broader literary trends of the 19th century.
  • The experimentation with meter during the 19th century reflects broader literary trends such as Romanticism and Modernism, where poets sought to break away from traditional forms and express more individualistic voices. This shift allowed for greater freedom in conveying complex ideas and emotions, pushing poets to manipulate metrical structures creatively. As they combined different meters or incorporated free verse elements, they challenged conventions and embraced innovation in poetic expression, setting the stage for future literary movements.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A common meter in poetry consisting of five feet, each containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a rhythmic pattern often used by Shakespeare.

Trochee: A metrical foot containing a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable, contrasting with iambic meter and creating a different rhythmic effect.

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter that allows for a natural flow of speech while maintaining a metrical structure, often used in dramatic monologues.