sprung rhythm
Noun: A metrical pattern in poetry characterized by a variable number of unstressed syllables between stressed ones, creating a rhythm that mimics the natural cadence of spoken language. It is based on the concept of a "foot" beginning with a stressed syllable, which may be followed by a varying number of unstressed syllables.
"Sprung rhythm" is used to describe a specific, flexible poetic meter. It is a technical term in poetry analysis and criticism. - It is most commonly associated with the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, who coined the term and extensively employed the technique. - The term is used to contrast with more regular, traditional poetic meters like iambic pentameter.
- Gerard Manley Hopkins's poem is a famous example of sprung rhythm.
- The poet experimented with sprung rhythm to capture the energetic and irregular patterns of natural speech.
- Scholars often analyze Hopkins's use of sprung rhythm to understand his innovative contribution to English verse.
- As a critical term: In literary criticism, "sprung rhythm" is discussed as a bridge between strict metrical tradition and free verse, emphasizing the inherent musicality of stress in English.
- Technical analysis: When scanning a poem in sprung rhythm, one counts the stressed syllables per line rather than the total number of syllables or feet, allowing for great rhythmic variety.
- Counterpoint rhythm: A related concept where two different rhythmic patterns, such as sprung rhythm and a regular meter, are heard simultaneously in a line of poetry.
- Running rhythm: A term used by Hopkins to describe conventional, regular meter, which he contrasted with his "sprung rhythm."
- Accentual rhythm: A broader term for verse that organizes lines by a count of stresses (accents) rather than syllables, of which sprung rhythm is a specific type.
- Stress-based meter: General term for poetic meters organized around stressed syllables.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using the specific term "sprung rhythm." It remains a specialized poetic term.
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a poetic rhythm that imitates the rhythm of speech
