Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

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How is "dimeter" defined in poetic terms?

  1. A verse with three beats

  2. A line consisting of two feet

  3. A poem that is short and concise

  4. A rhythmic pattern with no set length

The correct answer is: A line consisting of two feet

"Dimeter" in poetic terms is accurately defined as a line consisting of two feet. In poetry, "feet" refer to the units of stressed and unstressed syllables that create the rhythm of a line. When a line is described as having dimeter, it means that there are two such units within that line. This creates a specific rhythm that differs from other forms like trimeter, which has three feet, or tetrameter, which has four. Recognizing this structure is crucial for understanding the rhythmic qualities of poetry and how they can impact meaning and emotional effects in a poem.