Question

Read this excerpt from the poem "Prospect of the Future Glory of America" by John Trumbull and answer the questions that follow in one or two sentences. To views far distant and to scenes more bright, Along the vale of Time extend thy sight, Where hours and days and years from yon dim pole, Wave following wave in long succession roll, There see, in pomp for ages without end, The glories of the Western World ascend. See, this blest land in orient morn appears, Waked from the slumber of six thousand years, While clouds of darkness veil'd each cheering ray; To savage beasts and savage men, a prey. Fair Freedom now her ensigns bright displays, And peace and plenty bless the golden days. In radiant state th' imperial realm shall rise, Her splendor circling to the boundless skies; Of every Fair she boasts the assembled charms, The Queen of empires and the nurse of arms. Part A What is the meter of this poem?

Answer 1

The meter of this poem is iambic pentameter.

You can tell that the meter is in iambic pentameter because each line has ten syllables and the rhythm follows the iambic patter. This means that the stress of each syllable alternates unstressed then stressed. There are five sets of iambs (a pair of syllables: unstressed then stressed) in each line.