American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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What is the meter of Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death"?

Stanzaic trimeter
Blank verse
Iambic Pentameter
Free verse

The correct answer is: Iambic Pentameter

Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death" follows an iambic pentameter meter, in which each line contains 10 syllables and every other syllable is stressed. This is evident in the poem's structure and rhythm. Option A, stanzaic trimeter, is incorrect because the poem does not follow a consistent pattern of three metrical feet per stanza. Option B, blank verse, is incorrect because blank verse does not follow a specific meter and is usually unrhymed. Option D, free verse, is incorrect because free verse is also unrhymed and does not follow a specific meter.