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GCSE English Literature · key term
A metre with four feet per line, each normally containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable: da-da-DUM.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Paper 2
Revise: The Destruction of SennacheribIts governing metre is anapaestic tetrameter: four groups of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. Line 3 makes the beat easy to hear: and the SHEEN | of their SPEARS | was like STARS | on the SEA. The da-da-DUM movement resembles galloping hooves and makes the arrival energetic.
Paper 2
A metrical pattern with four feet per line, each typically containing two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable.
Part (b): Connect metre to meaning: explain how Byron’s galloping rhythm creates excitement and fear, rather than simply naming anapaestic tetrameter.
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Its prevailing metre is anapaestic tetrameter. An anapaest has two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable; tetrameter means four metrical feet in a line.
