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Glossary

Stanza: GCSE English Definition

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is a stanza?
  2. 2. Why do poets use stanzas?
  3. 3. Example of a stanza
  4. 4. Revision resources to ace your exams

What is a stanza?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem. Stanzas function similarly to paragraphs in prose, helping to structure a poem and organise its ideas.

Why do poets use stanzas?

Poets use stanzas to control the rhythm, pace and structure of a poem. Different stanza lengths and patterns can influence the tone and meaning, guiding the reader’s interpretation.

Example of a stanza

A clear example of stanza use appears in London by William Blake. The poem is structured into four stanzas. For example:

"I wander through each chartered street,
Near where the chartered Thames does flow,
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe."

Each stanza in London follows a strict ABAB rhyme scheme, reinforcing the poem’s rhythmic and controlled tone. This rigid structure reflects the oppression and restriction in the city, mirroring the themes of suffering and control that Blake explores.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a poet's use of stanzas by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Author
Reviewer
Nick Redgrove

Author: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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