Final answer:
Rhythm is a key poetic tool that uses patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables, known as meter, to enhance the sound and meaning of poetry. Line breaks and the use of classic forms like sonnets further contribute to the rhythm and structure. Mastery over these elements comes with practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhythm in Poetry
One of the most fundamental poetic tools available to poets is the creation of rhythm. This technique involves the arrangement of words to produce patterns of sound that enhance the poetic experience. Meter is the rhythmical pattern of a poem and involves the use of stressed and unstressed syllables, forming the beat or meter of the poetry. These patterns begin from early experiences with sound in childhood, such as nursery rhymes, and greatly influence the euphonic or discordant effect of a poem.
Importance of Line Breaks and Poetic Forms
Line breaks play a significant role in determining rhythm, pace, emphasis and the visual appearance of a poem. The use of classic forms such as a Shakespearean sonnet imposes rules concerning meter and rhyme, which can push a writer's creativity in unexpected directions. Poetic inversion is an example of altering word order to fit a rhyme or rhythm, and it is often subconsciously accepted due to the driving rhythm of the poetry.
Practice and Fine-Tuning
Understanding and employing the elements of poetry like rhythm, line breaks, and poetic forms comes with practice. The organic use of these elements should not feel forced but should contribute to the overall effectiveness of the poem. An appreciation for these tools grows as we attune our ears to the nuances of language and the effects of poetic devices.