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Antiphonal hexameter

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 dactylic hexameter line designed for call-and-response recitation

Detailed Definition
Antiphonal hexameter refers to lines of six metrical feet (typically dactylic) arranged in an antiphonal or responsive pattern, often alternating between speakers or stanzas to create a rhythmic and thematic echo that enhances ceremonial or dramatic effect in classical or neoclassical verse.
Example
Example in poetry:
Antiphonal hexameter: Dactylic hexameter lines structured for antiphonal (responsive) chanting; e.g., in early Christian hymns: “Vox clamantis in deserto: / Parate viam Domini,” split between two choirs.
Additional Notes
Hexameter line structured for antiphonal performance or containing internal dialogue-like structure. Combines epic meter with responsive patterning. Rare but effective for dramatic or ritualistic epic passages.
Also Known As
responsive hexameter dialogic hexameter
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