Metaphysical poets, selected poems Contents
Structure and versification in Regeneration
A unique structure
The ten eight-line stanzas (octave)s have a unique structure. The iambic lines are, in sequence, tetrameter, dimeter, tetrameter, trimeter, trimeter, dimeter, tetrameter and trimeter (42433243). The rhyming scheme, abab cdcd tends to divide the octave into two parts. In most stanzas the punctuation re-enforces this, but not in stanzas 6, 7 or 10. In other words, the structure is very flexible, and rhythmic variations are possible. The large amount of enjambement means that the poem can almost be read as free verse, a far cry from Herbert's tight musical structures.
Investigating Regeneration
- Look at the structure of Regeneration
- What does Vaughan achieve with his very short lines?
- Compare this poem with Herbert's Affliction I.
- What are the major differences and similarities?
- What do you find most appealing about the poem?
The technical name for a verse, or a regular repeating unit of so many lines in a poem. Poetry can be stanzaic or non-stanzaic.
The 8-line stanza of a Petrarchan sonnet, always occupying the first eight lines. It sometimes has a division halfway, creating two quatrains. It poses a problem or describes some single object or incident.
A term used of speech rhythms in blank verse; an iambic rhythm is an unstressed, or weak, beat followed by a stressed, or strong, beat. It is a rising metre.
A line of verse consisting of four metrical feet (in modern verse) or eight feet (in classical verse).
A verse consisting of two measures, that is containing either two or four feet.
A line of verse of three feet or stresses.
The device, frequently used at the ends of lines in poetry, where words with the same sound are paired, sometimes for contrast ' for example, 'breath' and 'death'.
The musical effect of the repetition of stresses or beats, and the speed or tempo at which these may be read.
The technique used in blank verse and other verse forms in which the sense of a line runs on without a pause to the next one; this often gives a sense of greater fluency to the lines.
Verse which has no regular scansion; its structure being formed by the thought and imagery alone.
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