What does Accentual-Syllabic Verse rely on for its structure?

Accentual-Syllabic Verse is characterized by its reliance on the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables within its lines. This form of poetry combines both the metric configuration of syllables with a specific focus on the rhythm dictated by the stresses. It typically features a regular arrangement of these stresses, creating a musical quality as well as contributing to the overall meter of the poem. This alternation not only establishes the poem's rhythm but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.

While the total number of syllables per line and whether they are fixed can vary, the defining framework of Accentual-Syllabic Verse is primarily the interplay of stressed and unstressed syllables. This rhythmic pattern is what gives the poem its unique pace and flow, distinguishing it from other forms that might emphasize either count or arrangement differently.