The Rhythms of English Poetry

by Attridge; Derek

• ISBN13: 9780582551053
• ISBN10: 0582551056
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1982-09-13
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Examines the way in which poetry in English makes use of rhythm. The author argues that there are three major influences which determine the verse-forms used in any language: the natural rhythm of the spoken language itself; the properties of rhythmic form; and the metrical conventions which have grown up within the literary tradition. He investigates these in order to explain the forms of English verse, and to show how rhythm and metre work as an essential part of the reader's experience of poetry.

Table of Contents

Approaches

Traditional Approaches

Linguistic Approaches

Rhythm

The Rhythms of English Speech

The Four-Beat Rhythm

The Five-Beat Rhythm

Metre

What is a Metrical Rule?

The Rules of English Metre

Metrical Rules and the Structures of Language

Practice

The Functions of Poetic Rhythm

Rhythm at Work: Some examples

Appendix: Rules and Scansion

Bibliography

Sources of examples

Index

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