Haiku 1:

I see the leaves fall
and wish the summer would last,
yet—find hope in change.
Haiku 2:
Even high above,
the sparrow drifts with purpose,
never too weighed down.

What measure of structure best defines a haiku?
1. Rhyme scheme
2. Type of refrain
3. Number of stanzas
4. Syllables per line

I do not understand what they are asking. Could you explain please? Thanks!

3 answers

Certainly! The question is asking about the key structural feature that defines a haiku poem. Let’s break down the options given:

  1. Rhyme scheme - This refers to a pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in a poem. Haikus typically do not have a rhyme scheme.

  2. Type of refrain - A refrain is a repeated line or phrase in a poem. Haikus usually do not have refrains.

  3. Number of stanzas - A stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem. Haikus are written as a single stanza.

  4. Syllables per line - This is the count of syllables in each line. A traditional haiku consists of three lines with a specific syllable pattern: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second line, and 5 in the third line.

Given these explanations, the best answer to the question about the measure of structure that best defines a haiku is 4. Syllables per line. This is the defining characteristic of haikus, distinguishing them from other forms of poetry.

Thank you for that! Have a great day!

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Have a wonderful day!