Meter in Poetry: Scansion Practice for AP Literature Students

📚 Topic Summary

Meter in poetry refers to the rhythmic structure of a verse, determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. Scansion is the process of marking these stresses to identify the meter. Understanding meter enhances your ability to analyze a poem's meaning and appreciate the poet's craft. Mastering scansion involves recognizing different metrical feet (like iambs and trochees) and line lengths (like pentameter and tetrameter). Let's practice!

🍎 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with its definition:

1. Iamb:
2. Trochee:
3. Pentameter:
4. Scansion:
5. Foot:

Definitions:

1. A line of verse consisting of five metrical feet.
2. The process of marking stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry.
3. A metrical unit containing one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.
4. A metrical unit containing one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable.
5. A unit of rhythm in poetry, consisting of a specific pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the paragraph with the correct terms.

The rhythmic pattern of a poem is called __________. To analyze this pattern, we use __________, which involves marking the __________ and __________ syllables. A common metrical __________ is the iamb, which consists of an __________ syllable followed by a __________ syllable. A line with five of these units is called iambic __________.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Choose a short poem or excerpt (4-8 lines). Scan the lines, identify the meter, and explain how the meter contributes to the poem's overall meaning or effect.