What does a stanza refer to in poetry?

A stanza in poetry refers to a group of lines that are arranged together to form a distinct unit within a poem. Stanzas function somewhat like paragraphs in prose; they help organize ideas, emotions, or themes and often contribute to the rhythm and structure of the poem. Each stanza can vary in length and may have a consistent form or structure, which can affect how the poem is interpreted and experienced by the reader.

Rhyme schemes relate to the pattern of rhymes in a poem but do not define the concept of a stanza. A narrative plot pertains to storytelling elements, which are more relevant to prose than to the structural components of poetry. Types of meter refer to the rhythmic structure of lines in poetry, which is also distinct from the concept of a stanza. Thus, defining a stanza primarily as a group of lines captures its essential role in poetry.