Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is a "dimeter" in poetry?

1. A poem with two verses

2. A verse written in two-foot lines

3. A type of rhyme scheme

4. A poem that has two themes

The correct answer is: A verse written in two-foot lines

A "dimeter" in poetry refers specifically to a line of verse containing two feet. In this context, a "foot" is a unit of rhythm that typically has a certain number of syllables and a particular pattern of emphasis. For example, common feet include iambs (an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable) and trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable). Therefore, when a line is described as being in dimeter, it means that it is constructed with two of these rhythmic units, leading to a distinct rhythmic quality that can impact the overall sound and flow of the poem. This understanding highlights how the structure of a poem can create specific effects, such as brevity or urgency, given that dimeter is shorter and more clipped compared to longer lines. Other options present different concepts related to poetry but do not specifically define what a dimeter is.