What is a quatrain?

A quatrain is defined as a stanza consisting of four lines. This structure is commonly used in poetry and can vary in terms of rhyme schemes and meters. Quatrains can be found in various forms such as ballads, hymns, and sonnets, among others, allowing for significant expression and exploration of themes in just four lines. The importance of recognizing a quatrain lies in its versatility and historical significance in both classical and modern poetry, where it often serves as a building block for longer poetic forms. Understanding this concept enriches one's appreciation and analysis of poetic works.