In the context of poetry, what is a stanza?

A stanza in poetry is defined as a grouped set of lines that are often separated by a space from other groups of lines. This structure serves to organize the poem into distinct sections, which can correspond to a particular thought, theme, or narrative progression. Stanzas can vary in length and can have differing numbers of lines, reflecting the poet's style and intentions.

The separation of stanzas also allows for a visual representation of the poem's rhythm and can create pauses for the reader, enhancing the overall impact of the poem. Therefore, understanding that a stanza is essentially a building block of a poem is fundamental for analyzing poetry effectively, as it helps in recognizing the poem's structure and flow.