Scansion Terminology

Question 0

Stressed and Unstressed Syllables

Answer 0

In order to identify the pattern of rhythm in a poem, the reader must scan one or two lines marking the stressed syllables with a / and the unstressed syllables with a U. The readers should study the resulting pattern and divide each regular grouping with an oblique line

Question 1

Meter

Answer 1

A system for identifying and measuring the rhythmic pattern of a poem according to its stressed and unstressed syllables. Describe the number of feet: manometer (one feet); dimeter (two feet); trimeter (three feet); tetrameter (four feet); pentameter (five feet); hexameter or alexandrine (six feet)

Question 2

Iambic

Answer 2

Unstressed, stressed

Question 3

Anapestic

Answer 3

Unstressed, unstressed, stressed

Question 4

Trochaic

Answer 4

Stressed, unstressed

Question 5

Dactylic

Answer 5

Stressed, unstressed, unstressed

Question 6

Spondaic

Answer 6

Stressed stressed

Question 7

Scansion

Answer 7

The analysis of a poem to determine its meter and the length of its lines. A full description of a poems meter would include groupings of the lines according to the number of feet they contain, and classification of the stanzas according to the rhyme scheme and number of lines they contain

Question 8

Enjambment

Answer 8

A line of poetry which continues into the next line with no designated stop or pause. A run on line is sometimes called enjambment