Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What constitutes a dactylic foot in poetry?

1. Two stressed syllables followed by one unstressed syllable

2. One stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables

3. Three unstressed syllables in sequence

4. An alternating pattern of stress and unstress

The correct answer is: One stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables

A dactylic foot in poetry is characterized by having one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. This metrical pattern creates a rhythm that can add a lively or galloping quality to the verse. In a dactylic foot, the strong beat is emphasized at the beginning, followed by two lighter beats, which makes it distinct from other metrical feet, such as iambs, which consist of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. Recognizing this structure helps readers and writers understand the rhythmic complexities within poetry, as well as the emotional and aesthetic effects that different types of meter can produce. This understanding is crucial for analyzing and appreciating the sound patterns in poetic works.