Rethinking the Metre of <i>Parzival</i> : Iambic Verse for a Trochaic Language

Given the striking tendency in poem towards iambic metrical patterns, with around half of lines unambiguously constituting an ideal iamb, one would require highly convincing evidence to justify treating these as irregularities otherwise trochaic metre. Indeed, such analysis is contrary linguistic evidence, only 34 written what could be convincingly argued a These ‘trochaic’ can also treated iambic, exploiting Halle & Keyser's (1966) principles for analysis, but even if continues allow them irregularities, their comparative rarity text speaks poet's intent write verse; deviations from perfect metre result occasional impossibility reconciling and structures. strict tetrameter speak his willingness compromise on adherence where necessary. The remaining neatly described by allowing extrametrical syllable—either unstressed, line-initial function word (in so-called ‘headless’ lines) or line-final schwa syllable (to create feminine rhyme)—and use heavy syllables monosyllabic feet. With little four existing poem, it any case necessary empty weak positions line. In present selection, fall most commonly at beginning Simply building feet left-to-right, conservative permissible thus captures picture remarkably removes need complex repertoire rhyme structures additional constituents, cadence optional anacrusis. An common prosodic generalisations observable across way that Viertakter unable do.