Christopher Aruffo, MFA, MBA, MSc, PhD

A Rational Guide to Verse

or, Scansion Made Simple

Problem Three:  Syllables out of order

Sometimes, a line has the correct quantity of syllables, but they won't all group into equal feet.  The syllables appear to be in the wrong order, but their lengths can't change without sounding unnatural.  To resolve this problem, look for these rhythmic variations:  short stresses and double feet.

Problem 3A:  Unfixable short syllables

Sometimes, you won't be able to fix a short syllable without its feeling unnaturally rushed or forced.  Two such syllables appear in Edgar Allan Poe's "Dreams."  Neither of the lines' final short syllables are part of a split foot; nor can they be quickened.

    ,           ,           ,          ,        ,
In my | young boy|hood-- should | it thus | be giv|en,
        ,       ,          ,          ,       ,
'Twere fol|ly still | to hope | for high|er Heav|en!

The problem is resolved here by making each two-syllable word a single stress.  One long syllable fills the same space as two short; conversely, two short syllables can fill the space of one long (provided the two syllables are one word).  In words like given or Heaven, both syllables can be naturally short, so the whole word can make one stress.  Such a word may be called a short stress.  (A short stress can be marked with an X to suggest unified syllables.)

    ,           ,           ,          ,         x
In my | young boy|hood-- should | it thus | be given,
        ,       ,          ,          ,       x
'Twere fol|ly still | to hope | for high|er Heaven!

A short stress can allow a more natural pronunciation.  In the following extract from Othello, the first version requires you to stress the first syllable of Heaven and quicken the second, whereas the second version gives equal weight to both syllables.  But if you tap with your finger as you speak, you will observe that the rhythm is identical.

 ,    2         ,           ,
Heav'n is | my judge, | not I

  x             ,           ,
Heaven is | my judge, | not I

Short-stress words are not quick syllables.  They are normal short syllables.  Short stresses are often written with deleted vowels-- especially heav'n-- but they can and should be pronounced naturally.

Resolution 3A:  Find short stresses.

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