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Alexandrine verse

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 twelve-syllable poetic line, especially prominent in French literature, often divided by a medial caesura and used in dramatic or narrative verse.

Detailed Definition
Alexandrine verse denotes poetry predominantly or exclusively composed in Alexandrine lines, emphasizing the stately, symmetrical rhythm of the twelve-syllable form; it shaped French literary aesthetics for centuries and influenced English poets seeking elevated, measured expression.
Example
Example in poetry:
Alexander Pope’s heroic couplets often end with Alexandrine for emphasis; Baudelaire’s “Les Fleurs du mal” uses French Alexandrine (12-syllable); Alexandrine verse in Spenser’s “Faerie Queene” closes Spenserian stanzas; modern use: Derek Walcott’s “Omeros” adapts Alexandrine for Caribbean epic
Additional Notes
Refers to poetry in alexandrines or analysis of alexandrine usage. Study how cesura placement (usually after sixth syllable) creates balance. Compare Pope's English variations with Racine's French classical usage.
Also Known As
Twelve-syllable meter French heroic line Alexandrine measure Iambic hexameter Alexandrin
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