Image for Stanza

Stanza

A stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose. Each stanza can express a specific idea, theme, or emotion and often follows a particular rhyme scheme or rhythm. Stanzas help organize thoughts within poetry, making it easier to read and understand. They can vary in length, from just two lines (called a couplet) to many more, depending on the poet’s choice. By breaking up the poem into stanzas, poets can create emphasis, build patterns, and guide the reader’s experience.