Metrical Constraint and the Interpretation of Style in the Tragic Trimeter

by Nicholas Baechle

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739109502
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	03/26/2007
Series:	Greek Studies: Interdisciplinary Approaches
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	6.47(w) x 9.78(h) x 1.26(d)

About the Author

Nicholas Baechle is Assistant Professor in the Hanover College Classics Department.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Treatment of Word Shapes in Composition and the Use of Prosodic Variation
Chapter 2 Definition of Word Shapes
Chapter 3 Metrical Lengthening of Short Final Vowels
Chapter 4 Correptio Attica vs Metrical Lengthening
Chapter 5 Synizesis
Chapter 6 Elision and Lengthening of Words Shaped
Part 7 The Use of Hyperbation in Composition and its Interpretation
Chapter 8 Marked Forms of Word Order for Prepositional Phrases
Chapter 9 Metrical and Prosodic Variations at Mid-Line
Chapter 10 Hyperbata of the Form Modifier—Verb—Noun or the Reverse
Chapter 11 Distribution of Word Shapes

Editorial Reviews

...this is a sound, detailed study, useful for scholars of metrics, tragedy, and comedy...

Bryn Mawr Classical Review - Anne Mahoney

Baechle gives us a broad, rigorously conducted, and theoretically sophisticated exploration of the iambic trimeter in Greek tragedy. But his achievement extends far beyond this technical tour de force. From his analysis of compositional factors, including hyperbaton, prosodic variation, and intractable word shapes, there emerges a major contribution to our understanding of dramatic style and metrical constraints, the aesthetic differences between dialogue and lyric, variations in the rhythmic qualities of the three tragedians, and of the way Old Comedy played against the trimeter of serious drama.

Victor Bers

...this is a sound, detailed study, useful for scholars of metrics, tragedy, and comedy...--Anne Mahoney, Tufts University "Bryn Mawr Classical Review "

Baechle gives us a broad, rigorously conducted, and theoretically sophisticated exploration of the iambic trimeter in Greek tragedy. But his achievement extends far beyond this technical tour de force. From his analysis of compositional factors, including hyperbaton, prosodic variation, and intractable word shapes, there emerges a major contribution to our understanding of dramatic style and metrical constraints, the aesthetic differences between dialogue and lyric, variations in the rhythmic qualities of the three tragedians, and of the way Old Comedy played against the trimeter of serious drama.--Victor Bers, Classics Department, Yale University

From the Publisher

...this is a sound, detailed study, useful for scholars of metrics, tragedy, and comedy...
— Anne Mahoney, Tufts University

Bryn Mawr Classical Review