What is a "spondee" in poetry?

A spondee is a metrical foot in poetry that consists of two stressed syllables. This pattern can create a strong, emphatic rhythm, giving weight to the words being emphasized. For example, in the phrase "dead end," both syllables carry stress, leading to a decisive and pronounced delivery. Spondees can be used effectively to underscore important moments or themes within a poem. Understanding this metrical structure is essential for analyzing how rhythm contributes to the overall tone and meaning in poetry.

The other choices describe different metrical feet. A pattern of two unstressed syllables refers to an unstressed foot, while a pattern of stressed followed by unstressed syllables characterizes a trochee. Lastly, a pattern of alternating stressed and unstressed syllables describes iambic meter, which is one of the most common forms in English poetry. Each of these forms serves a unique purpose in building rhythm and enhancing the poem's emotional impact, distinct from the emphatic nature of a spondee.