Meter in Poetry

Etymology of Meter

The word “meter” originates from the Greek word metron. Itmeans “measure.” In ancient Greece, a metron was a measuring device used to create rhythm and time during musical performances. With time, the term, meter, came to refer to any system of measurement, including the measurement of poetry and other forms of literature.

Meanings of Meter as a Literary Device

Meter, as a literary device, refers to the rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry. It creates a musical quality and establishes a consistent beat or cadence. By using the meter, poets enhance the flow, structure, and musicality of their verses.

Meter in Grammar

In grammar, the term “meter” is typically used as a singular noun and does not have a distinct plural form. When discussing meter in the context of grammar, it generally refers to the pattern and arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry.

Definition of Meter as Literary Device

It is a literary device that refers to the rhythmical pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry or verse. It involves the arrangement of syllables into a recurring pattern, creating a beat or musicality in the language. By controlling the meter of their writing, poets can create different effects and convey different emotions to their readers.

Types of Meter

Type	Definition	Explanation	Example
Iambic	Stressed syllable followed by unstressed	Creates a natural, conversational rhythm	“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” (Sonnet 18)
Trochaic	Stressed syllable followed by unstressed	Creates a staccato, choppy rhythm	“Tyger! Tyger! burning bright” (The Tyger by William Blake)
Anapestic	Two unstressed syllables followed by stressed	Creates a flowing, upbeat rhythm often used in lighthearted or humorous poetry	“And the sound of a voice that is still” (The Raven by Poe)
Dactylic	Stressed syllable followed by two unstressed	Creates a complex, tripping rhythm often used in serious or dramatic poetry	“This is the forest primeval” (Evangeline by Longfellow)
Spondaic	Two stressed syllables occur together	Creates a slow, heavy rhythm for emphasis or to convey weight or importance	“Break, break, break” (Break, Break, Break by Tennyson)
Pyrrhic	Two unstressed syllables occur together	Relatively rare, creates a sense of lightness or speed	“To a green thought in a green shade” (The Garden by Marvell)

How to Create Meter

Creating meter in poetry involves a deliberate arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables to create a specific rhythm. Here are some steps you can follow to create meter:

1. Choose some :
2. Count syllables
3. Determine stressed and unstressed syllables
4. Use substitutions
5. Pay attention to phrasing
6. Revise and refine

Remember that creating it is not just about following a set of rules, but about using rhythm and sound to convey meaning and emotion in your poetry. Experiment with its different types and techniques to find the one that best suits your voice and style.

Benefits of Meter

The meter provides several benefits to poetry and literature. Here are some of the benefits of meters:

Benefit	Example
Rhythm	The regular beat of the meter creates a musical flow in poems, enhancing the reading experience.
Memorability	The meter helps in creating memorable lines and phrases that are easier to recall and recite.
Emphasis	It emphasizes certain words or ideas by placing them in stressed positions within the line.
Tone	The choice of meter can contribute to the overall tone of a poem, whether it’s light, solemn, or intense.
Structure	It provides a framework for organizing and structuring poetic lines, contributing to the overall form of a poem.

Meter and Literary Theory

Its analysis through different literary theories mainly depends on the approach and focus of the critic. Here are a few examples:

Literary Theory	Interpretation of Meter
Formalist Literary theory	Formalist critics focus on the formal aspects of literature, such as form, structure, and language. They analyze how the use of stressed and unstressed syllables creates rhythm and contributes to the overall meaning and effect of the poem.
New Criticism Literary Theory	New Critics approach literature as a self-contained object that should be analyzed on its own merits. They focus on how the regularity or irregularity of the meter contributes to the  meaning, theme, and musicality of the poem.
Reader-response Literary Theory	Reader-response critics emphasize the reader’s experience of a text and how meaning is constructed through the interaction between the reader and the text. They explore how the rhythm and sound of the poem affect the reader’s emotional response and interpretation of the poem.
Poststructuralist Literary Theory	Poststructuralist critics examine how meaning is constructed through language and discourse. They analyze how the use of meter reinforces or challenges dominant power structures and ideologies, and how it relates to broader cultural and historical contexts.

Suggested Readings

1. Baker, David. Meter in Poetry: A New Theory. University of Arkansas Press, 2018.
2. Fussell, Paul. Poetic Meter and Poetic Form. McGraw-Hill, 1979.
3. Grossman, Allen. The Sighted Singer: Two Works on Poetry for Readers and Writers. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992.
4. Hobsbaum, Philip. Metre, Rhythm, and Verse Form. Routledge, 1996.
5. Pound, Ezra. ABC of Reading. New Directions, 2010.
6. Preminger, Alex, et al., editors. The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. 4th ed., Princeton University Press, 2012.
7. Turco, Lewis. The Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics. 3rd ed., University Press of New England, 2000.
8. Vendler, Helen. Poems, Poets, Poetry: An Introduction and Anthology. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.
9. Williams, Miller. Patterns of Poetry: An Encyclopedia of Forms. Louisiana State University Press, 1986.