Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is a monometer?

1. A verse written in two-foot lines

2. A verse written in one-foot lines

3. A verse written in free form

4. A verse using iambic pentameter

The correct answer is: A verse written in one-foot lines

A monometer is defined as a line of verse that consists of only one metrical foot. This means that there is a single unit of rhythm within the line, making it distinct from other forms of meter that incorporate multiple feet, such as dimeter or trimeter. Since a foot is the basic building block of meter in poetry, having just one foot characterizes a monometer clearly. This understanding of meter is crucial in poetry, as different structures convey various tones, rhythms, and styles. The answer focusing on "one-foot lines" accurately defines what monometer is, illustrating its simplicity and unique rhythmic quality. In contrast, the other provided options refer to different types of meter or a broader definition of verse, which do not encapsulate the essence of a monometer as precisely as the correct answer.