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What effect do the stressed and unstressed syllables in this poem have?

In poetry, the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables creates meter, which is the pattern of rhythm in a line of poetry. Meter can be used to create a variety of effects, including:

* Establishing a mood or atmosphere

* Enhancing the musicality of the poem

* Emphasizing certain words or phrases

* Creating a sense of movement or energy

In "The Raven," the meter is trochaic octameter, which means that each line has eight trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable). This meter gives the poem a slow, steady rhythm that mimics the sound of a heartbeat. The use of trochees also creates a sense of foreboding and mystery, which is appropriate for the poem's dark and sinister subject matter.

The meter of "The Raven" is essential to its meaning and effect. Without the use of trochees, the poem would not have the same sense of dread and suspense. The meter is one of the things that makes "The Raven" such a masterpiece of American literature.

Poetry

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