Poetry+extension

Rhythm refers to the pattern of sounds made by varying the stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem.

1. **Iambic** (made up of units of : one stressed syllable and one unstressed syllable, or “x /”) 2. **Trochaic** (made up of units of: one unstressed stressed and one stressed syllable, or “/ x”) 3. **Spondaic** (made up of units of: two unstressed syllables, or “/ /”) 4. **Anapestic** (made up of units of: two stressed syllables and one unstressed, or “x x /”) 5. **Dactylic** (made up of units of: one unstressed syllable and two stressed syllables, or “/ / x”)
 * There are five basic rhythms in English poetry: **

Each of these units is called a “foot.” For example, one iamb or iambic foot is “x/.” If a line has 10 syllables and they are all arranged in iambic units, then the line has 5 feet. This specific rhythm is called “iambic pentameter,” and was popularized by Shakespeare.


 * Important Terms: **


 * “Rhythm” ** is a sound pattern (a beat) using one or more kinds of meter.
 * “Meter” ** refers to the number of “feet” of a specific kind in a line of poetry.
 * “Foot” ** is the measurement for one unit of poetry (usually two- three syllables).

Pick one of your own poems that you are open to changing, and follow these steps: 1. Read it over to yourself and mark all of the stressed and unstressed syllables. 2. Answer these questions: What kind of rhythms does your poem contain? Is their one rhythm that your poem uses the most, or that seems to fit your poem best? 3. Now, pick your favorite rhythm and rewrite your poem to use mostly that rhythm. You may, however, change the rhythm for emphasis.
 * Finding and Creating Rhythm in Your Poetry **

Show Mrs. Zehr your original poem along with the the one you worked on to create rhythm