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What is the difference between stanza and verse?

Stanza and verse are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are actually some subtle differences between the two.

A verse is a single line of poetry. A stanza is a group of verses that are grouped together. Stanzas are typically separated from each other by a space or a line break.

For example, the following is a verse:

> _The rose is a flower,_

The following is a stanza:

> _The rose is a flower,

_Red and full of thorn,_

_But its beauty is worth it,_

_And its scent is divine._

In this example, the stanza consists of four verses.

Here are some other examples of stanzas:

* _"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,"_

_By Thomas Gray_

* _"The sun is setting over the hill,"_

_By William Wordsworth_

* _"The waves are crashing against the shore,"_

_By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow_

As you can see, stanzas can vary in length and structure. Some stanzas may consist of only a few verses, while others may consist of many verses. Some stanzas may have a regular rhyme scheme, while others may not.

Stanzas are often used to create a sense of rhythm and structure in a poem. They can also be used to emphasize certain ideas or images.

Understanding the difference between a verse and a stanza can help you to better appreciate the art of poetry.

Poetry

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