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Alcaic long line

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A classical metrical line of extended length characteristic of the Alcaic stanza, featuring a complex pattern of long and short syllables; it provides expansive, stately rhythm suitable for elevated themes.

Detailed Definition
Alcaic long line is the hendecasyllabic first line of the Alcaic stanza, typically containing eleven syllables arranged in a specific metrical pattern of two trochees, a long syllable, and two dactyls. This opening line establishes the rhythmic foundation for the Alcaic strophe and was favored by ancient poets like Horace for its stately, measured cadence that suited philosophical and reflective themes in classical lyric poetry.
Example
Example in poetry:
Horace’s “Odes 1.9” opens with an Alcaic long line: “Vides ut alta stet nive candidum”; In English, Swinburne’s “Sapphics” mimics it: “All the night sleep came not upon my eyelids”; The line typically has eleven syllables with a caesura after the fifth; It sets the strophe’s tone with elevated, flowing rhythm; Modern Latinists preserve its quantitative structure in neo-classical verse.
Additional Notes
Alcaic long line is the first line of the Alcaic strophe, typically an 11-syllable line with the pattern: x−∪−∣−∪∪−∪−. The vertical bar (∣) indicates a usual caesura (a strong metrical pause).
Also Known As
Alcaic principal line Alcaic long verse Extended Alcaic measure Alcaic hendecasyllable
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