Analysing the rhythm in Blake

What is rhythm? How does a student analyse the effects of rhythm in poetry?

Definitions

Prosody = the study of rhythm in poetry, sometimes called metrical analysis.

Rhythm is the BEAT of language: it is the most important element of language in combination with meaning… “Rhythm is the heart-beat of language” F Gilbert 11th October 2013

1. Read the poem out aloud.

 2. Then clap out the rhythm.

3. Then think about the effects of the rhythm: what does it make you think, feel and see? What is the difference between rhythm and rhyme?

Rhythm = the beat of the poem, where the hard and soft stresses go.

Rhyme = is where there are similar sounds, usually vowel sounds, that chime together, eg blue shoe poo you

The most important thing with rhythm and rhyme is to discuss the EFFECTS they create: What mood does it create? What ideas/themes/images/emotions does it emphasize or highlight?

Use these descriptions to help you describe the effect of the rhythm:

Fast: speedy; fast-paced; quick; lively; energetic; enthusiastic; passionate; fiery;

Slow; sluggish; heavy; slow-paced; emphatic; leaden; lethargic; tired; lugubrious; gloomy;

I have highlighted the heavy beats in bold here:

Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed,
By the stream & o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing wooly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice:
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee

Metre = the science of rhythm in poetry, metrical analysis 5 main types of metre: A rising rhythm Iamb = di-DUM, ie a soft beat followed by a hard beat, eg “I wander through each chartered street near where the chartered Thames does flow”, this an iambic rhythm, The iamb has two syllables in it. More than two syllables: Anapaest (anapest) = di-di-DUM A falling rhythm Trochee = DUM-di, or trochaic metre, ie a HARD beat followed by a soft one. Eg “Little Lamb who made thee” Dactyl = DUM-di-di SPONDEE = two HARD BEATS