What is the purpose of scansion in poetry?

Scansion is a critical technique in poetry that involves analyzing the rhythm of a line of verse. By examining the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, scansion allows readers to uncover the metrical patterns that contribute to the poem's overall musicality. Understanding these rhythmic patterns can enhance the appreciation of the poem and provide insights into its emotional tone and pacing. While other options touch on different aspects of poetry, such as meaning, themes, or visual representation, they do not specifically address the rhythmic analysis that scansion focuses on. Therefore, recognizing the rhythm established through scansion is essential for a deeper understanding of poetic structure and expression.