Poetry Lesson II: Anapestic Tetrameter
"A Visit from St. Nicholas" turns 200 this year!
Fun fact: The famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore is written in Anapestic Tetrameter.
Last week, we learned that an anapest is a “foot” consisting of a “da da DUM.” Tetrameter is four “da da DUM”s in one line.
Try clapping out the rhythm and notice the words that get the most emphasis:
🟩T'was the NIGHT before CHRISTmas when ALL through the HOUSE🏠
🟩Not a CREAture was STIRRing Not EVEn a MOUSE.
This is a great comedic and narrative device. Another poem that uses this is Dr. Suess's "Yertle the Turtle." Take a look below:
🟩And toDAY the Great YERtle, that MARvelous HE.
The more I dive into the poem, the more I learn and enjoy. As a Mrs. Claus who can work alone without a Santa, I want to offer fun educational sessions about poetry. Write to me at mrsclausnyc@gmail.com if you’d like a fun lecture, online or in person. Follow my lessons on Instagram and Facebook.