Which term refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of spoken language in poetry?

Which term refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of spoken language in poetry?

• A. Meter
• B. Cadence
• C. Prosody
• D. Rhythm

Answer: (C)

Prosody is the overall rhythm, stress, and intonation of spoken language in poetry. It governs how a poem sounds when read aloud and how that sound conveys meaning and feeling. Meter is the formal pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that creates a regular beat, and cadence refers to the natural rise and fall of voice as you speak. Rhythm describes the pattern of sounds and stresses in a line as well, but prosody lets you consider how those elements—along with pitch and intonation—work together to shape a poem’s effect. Because the prompt combines rhythm, stress, and intonation, this concept is the best fit.

Prosody is the overall rhythm, stress, and intonation of spoken language in poetry. It governs how a poem sounds when read aloud and how that sound conveys meaning and feeling. Meter is the formal pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that creates a regular beat, and cadence refers to the natural rise and fall of voice as you speak. Rhythm describes the pattern of sounds and stresses in a line as well, but prosody lets you consider how those elements—along with pitch and intonation—work together to shape a poem’s effect. Because the prompt combines rhythm, stress, and intonation, this concept is the best fit.