Scansion

Scansion is the process of analyzing a poem's rhythm by identifying its pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. It involves examining each line to mark which syllables are spoken with emphasis and which are not, revealing the poem's musical quality. This pattern, called a meter, helps us understand the poem’s flow and mood. For example, common meters like iambic or trochaic follow specific patterns of unstressed and stressed syllables, giving poetry its characteristic rhythm. Scansion provides insight into the poet's rhythm choices and enhances the reader’s appreciation of the poem's structure and emotional impact.