Final answer:
The purpose of rhythm in a poem is to create an auditory pattern that affects pacing, emotion, and emphasis, enhancing both the sound and the meaning of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of rhythm in a poem is multifaceted. At its core, rhythm functions as the heartbeat of a poem, contributing to both its sound and meaning. Through the strategic use of stressed and unstressed syllables, poets create patterns that enhance the auditory quality of the poem, which can affect the pacing, emotion, and emphasis of words and phrases. These patterns can be regular, as in traditional metered poetry, or irregular, as seen in free verse. By echoing natural rhythms such as the human heartbeat or footsteps, rhythm creates a sense of comfort or intensity, depending on its use. Rhythm in poetry also draws attention to specific words, helps convey the overall tone, and can mirror the thematic content of the poem itself.