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What is a rhyme scheme?

  1. A summary of the poem's message

  2. The ordered pattern of rhymes in a poem

  3. A technique for explaining the theme

  4. The main idea of a stanza

The correct answer is: The ordered pattern of rhymes in a poem

A rhyme scheme refers to the ordered pattern of rhymes in a poem, typically defined by assigning letters to lines that end with similar sounds. For example, in a four-line stanza, if the first and third lines rhyme and the second and fourth lines rhyme, it can be labeled as an ABAB rhyme scheme. This pattern not only contributes to the musical quality of the poem but also helps to create structure and flow, guiding the reader through the piece. Understanding the rhyme scheme is crucial for analyzing the aesthetic and emotional effects that the poet aims to achieve.