Rhyme

Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds, usually at the end of lines in a poem or song. These
similar sounds can occur with consonants or vowels. Rhyme serves to create a sense of
musicality, cohesion, and pattern in poetry.
Types of Rhyme
 Perfect Rhyme: Occurs when the final stressed vowel and all the sounds that follow it are
identical in two or more words. Example: "cat" and "hat."
 Half Rhyme (or Slant Rhyme): Occurs when the final consonant sounds of words are
similar, but the preceding vowel sounds are not. Example: "shape" and "keep."
 Eye Rhyme: Occurs when words look like they should rhyme because they have similar
spellings, but they don't rhyme when pronounced. Example: "cough" and "bough."
 Internal Rhyme: Occurs when rhyming words appear within the same line of poetry rather
than at the end of lines. Example: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and
weary."
Rhythm
Rhythm refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry. It is the flow
or beat of a poem and is created through the arrangement of syllables, accents, and pauses.
Rhythm contributes to the musicality and cadence of poetry.
Types of Rhythm
 Iambic: Consists of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables, with the stress falling on
the second syllable. Example: "to-DAY."
 Trochaic: Consists of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables, with the stress falling on
the first syllable. Example: "PO-et."
 Anapestic: Consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. Example:
"un-der-STAND."
Dactylic: Consists of a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. Example: "ME-ta-
phor."
Enjambment
Enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase in a poem runs over from one line to the next
without a pause or punctuation mark at the end of the line. It disrupts the natural flow of reading
and encourages the reader to continue to the next line without interruption, creating a sense of
momentum or tension.
Purpose of Enjambment
 Creates Fluidity: Enjambment can create a sense of fluidity and movement within a poem,
allowing ideas to flow seamlessly from one line to the next.
 Emphasizes Connections: By connecting lines syntactically, enjambment can emphasize the
relationship between ideas or images, encouraging readers to consider the poem as a cohesive
whole.
 Heightens Drama: Enjambment can create suspense or tension by delaying the resolution of
a thought or idea until the following line, adding drama and intensity to the poem.

These elements of poetry—rhyme, rhythm, and enjambment—work together to shape the

structure, sound, and meaning of poems, enriching the reader's experience and enhancing the
overall impact of the poetry.