Rhythm

Rhythm
Definition:  in a poem, rhythm is the tempo, or way the poem is read. Rhythm can be heard in a childish (Dr.Seuss) way, or more serious (Shakespeare) form. Rhythm can also be used to show mood, or setting in a poem.

Example: There are many types of rhythm in a poem.

For Example:

1) "How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?"

~Dr. Seuss

2) "Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire!
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon's sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green;
The cowslips tall her pensioners be;
In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours;
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dewdrops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear."

~William Shakespeare

Both poems are interpreted in different ways. This dephends on mood, and setting. It comes froms not only the poem itself, but the way the poem is read. If it is read sillily as in Dr.Seuss, then you can interpret from this that the setting and mood can be ridiculous, or childish. In a Shakespeare's poem however, you get a feeling that the poem is to be taken seriously, and that there was alot of thought put into the specific poem. It gives you a vibe, and a feel.



Signficance: The rhythm in a poem is important because it can be used to describe/interpret setting, mood, and the way the poet meant the poem was to be taken/read. From context, you can don't get as much than from reading with good rhythm. This is what gives you a better chance of understanding a poem as you read it aloud and with thought, than in your head.

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