Question

read the descriptions of rhyme schemes below
free verse: poetry that does not use a consistent rhyme scheme
iambic pentameter: a poetic rhyme scheme in which each rhyming line has ten syllables
blank verse: poetry that uses unrhymed iambic pentameter
rhyming couplets: a series of two consecutive lines that rhyme in a poem
based on the descriptions, what rhyme scheme does the poem harlem use?
○ free verse
○ iambic pentameter
○ blank verse
○ couplets

Explanation:

To determine the rhyme scheme of the poem "Harlem", we analyze each option:

• Free verse is defined as poetry with no consistent rhyme scheme. "Harlem" (by Langston Hughes) does not follow a consistent rhyme pattern, matching this definition.
• Iambic pentameter requires each rhyming line to have ten syllables and a specific meter, which "Harlem" does not use.
• Blank verse uses unrhymed iambic pentameter, but "Harlem" has no consistent meter or unrhymed iambic pentameter structure.
• Rhyming couplets are two consecutive rhyming lines, and "Harlem" does not have a series of such couplets.

Answer:

A. free verse