Literature Glossary
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Cadence
Definition:
Cadence refers to the rhythmic or musical elements of a poem. You can think of it as the thing that makes poetry sound like poetry. Whereas meter refers to the regular elements of rhythm—the beats, accents, and feet—cadence refers to the momentary variations in rhythm, like when a line speeds up or slows down. Poets often repeat or contrast certain cadences to create a more interesting sound than regular old prose.
Want more? Check out our analysis of cadence in the poem "Sound and Sense" by Alexander Pope.