07-02-2012, 11:32 PM
meter schmeter, that is because you are reading it in accentual verse, not meter. Accentual verse only counts the accented syllables in a line, each accent is the equal of one foot. Such as:
It ain’t that I don’t fancy Kate
and her legs so long and lissom,
but Kate does not appreciate
the strength of the competition. (competition is generally only accented on the third syllable, however, I am assuming that most would read the first syllable as also being accented as it follows two unaccented syllables. Despite that, the line still reads awkwardly)
This is basically equal to common meter as it falls out as alternating lines of 4 and 3 with an xyxy rhyme pattern. Where the problem arises for the reader is when you go more than three syllables without an accent, or if they are trying to impose meter where it does not exist. Also, beginning a line with two unaccented syllables can cause an awkwardness in the reading, whereas a triplet within the line does not. Most is simply an ear thing one learns.
If one writes something in accentual verse, of course he can read it smoothly, as he knows the intended rhythm. This is similar to writing alternate lyrics to a tune. However, when read by someone else, they do not have access to this information, and so to them it reads awkwardly. I point this out to say that, being able to read ones own verse is no indication that there are not problems with it, and as a number of folks have commented on this (when myself and Leanne agree on something we count as a number of folks :p) I would take it as a given that there are problems with it. Whether you wish to learn to be able to recognize this and do something about it is of course entirely up to you.
Cheers,
Dale
It ain’t that I don’t fancy Kate
and her legs so long and lissom,
but Kate does not appreciate
the strength of the competition. (competition is generally only accented on the third syllable, however, I am assuming that most would read the first syllable as also being accented as it follows two unaccented syllables. Despite that, the line still reads awkwardly)
This is basically equal to common meter as it falls out as alternating lines of 4 and 3 with an xyxy rhyme pattern. Where the problem arises for the reader is when you go more than three syllables without an accent, or if they are trying to impose meter where it does not exist. Also, beginning a line with two unaccented syllables can cause an awkwardness in the reading, whereas a triplet within the line does not. Most is simply an ear thing one learns.
If one writes something in accentual verse, of course he can read it smoothly, as he knows the intended rhythm. This is similar to writing alternate lyrics to a tune. However, when read by someone else, they do not have access to this information, and so to them it reads awkwardly. I point this out to say that, being able to read ones own verse is no indication that there are not problems with it, and as a number of folks have commented on this (when myself and Leanne agree on something we count as a number of folks :p) I would take it as a given that there are problems with it. Whether you wish to learn to be able to recognize this and do something about it is of course entirely up to you.
Cheers,
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.