Trochaic Octameter Poetry

Trochaic octameter consists of eight trochees per line, each foot being a stressed followed by an unstressed syllable (DUM-da). The result is a driving, chant-like rhythm of sixteen syllables. Rare in English, it’s famously used by Poe in The Raven, creating a haunting, hypnotic, and musical poetic effect.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 95/100

The Raven

by Edgar Allan Poe

‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allan Poe presents an eerie raven who incessantly knocks over the speaker’s door and says only one word – “Nevermore.”

The poem’s rare meter emphasizes a falling rhythm that mirrors emotional decline. Its sing-song quality contrasts with dark themes, intensifying unease. Occasional metrical variations prevent monotony and sustain dramatic tension. The steady beat mimics a ticking clock or tapping, paralleling the raven’s presence and the narrator’s psychological deterioration.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

Home » Collection » Trochaic Octameter Poems

Trochaic Octameter Poetry

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links

Trochaic Octameter Poetry

The Raven

by Edgar Allan Poe

Narrow Your Search

We Look Deep into Poetry

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links