What does scansion in poetry determine?

Scansion is a technical analysis of a poem that involves marking the stressed and unstressed syllables in each line to determine its meter. Meter refers to the structured rhythm of a poem, which can create patterns that enhance the overall musicality and flow. Understanding the meter is crucial for interpreting how a poem feels when read aloud, as it influences the pace and emotional resonance of the work. By identifying the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, readers can gain insight into the poem's formal characteristics, which are foundational to its meaning and impact. This analysis does not specifically address the rhyme scheme, theme, or emotional impact directly, making it clear that the primary focus of scansion is on establishing the meter.