Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What does 'meter' in poetry refer to?

1. The pattern of sound in a poem, including the length and arrangement of syllables

2. The narrative perspective

3. The thematic content

4. The figurative language used

The correct answer is: The pattern of sound in a poem, including the length and arrangement of syllables

'Meter' in poetry specifically refers to the structured rhythm of a poem, which is determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. This aspect of poetry plays a crucial role in creating a musical quality, contributing to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the poem. Understanding meter helps readers and poets alike appreciate the rhythm and flow of the language, as well as how it complements the content and emotion of the poem. For example, different types of meter, such as iambic pentameter or trochaic tetrameter, create distinct rhythms that can enhance the meaning or mood of the work. In comparison, the other options touch on different literary elements that are important in poetry but do not define meter. The narrative perspective relates to who is telling the story and how (essentially focused on point of view), thematic content deals with the overarching messages or ideas presented in the poem, and figurative language pertains to the use of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices that enrich the text but are separate from the rhythmic structure known as meter.