Metrical constraint and the interpretation of style in the tragic trimeter / Nicholas Baechle.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Baechle, Nicholas.

Series:

Greek studies : interdisciplinary approaches.

Greek studies : interdisciplinary approaches

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Greek drama (Tragedy)--Criticism, Textual.

Greek drama (Tragedy).

Criticism, Textual.

Greek language--Metrics and rhythmics.

Greek language.

Physical Description:

xiv, 343 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Md. : Lexington ; Towcester : Oxford Publicity Partnership [distributor], [2007]

Summary:

Metrical Constraint and the Interpretation of Style in the Tragic Trimeter is an interpretation of the choices the Greek tragedians made regarding particular forms of standardized variations in word order and prosody. Nicholas Baechle demonstrates that in their compositional practice, the tragedians collectively decided to accommodate metrically intractable words and phrases within certain prosodic variations. Grounded in metrical constraint and the mechanics of trimester composition, Baechle's study also extends to a greater understanding of the stylistic sensibilities of the tragedians and their feeling for the generic ethos of tragic dialogue. By means of comparison with Aristophanes' general practice and with paratragic imitations of tragic style, Baechle makes clear the distinctiveness in the style of tragic dialogue versus the rendition of speech in comedy. Metrical Constraint and the Interpretation of Style in the Tragic Trimeter offers a critical and sophisticated perspective on Greek drama that will appeal to those interested in language and classical studies.

Contents:

Metrical Symbols xi

Part I Treatment of Word Shapes in Composition and the Use of Prosodic Variation

1 Definition of Word Shapes 49

2 Metrical Lengthening of Short Final Vowels 55

3 Correptio Attica vs. Metrical Lengthening 77

4 Synizesis 105

5 Elision and Lengthening of Words Shaped 123

Part II The Use of Hyperbaton in Composition and Its Interpretation

1 Marked Forms of Word Order for Prepositional Phrases 139

2 Metrical and Prosodic Variations at Mid-Line 209

3 Hyperbata of the Form Modifier-Verb-Noun or the Reverse 227

Distribution of Word Shapes 307

Appendix Plays Studied; Number of Trimeters Considered; Lyric vs Non-Lyric Trimeters 325.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780739109502

0739109502

9780739121436

073912143X

OCLC:

76798330