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Bacchanalian meter

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 frenetic, irregular meter mimicking the ecstatic, chaotic energy of Dionysian rites, often using syncopation or mixed feet.

Detailed Definition
Bacchanalian meter employs vigorous, irregular rhythms that mimic the ecstatic, chaotic energy of Dionysian rites; often using trochaic or dactylic bursts with abrupt caesuras, it conveys intoxication, frenzy, or liberation from social and formal constraints.
Example
Example in poetry:
Bacchanalian meter evokes wild, ecstatic rhythms associated with Dionysian revelry; example: irregular, pounding lines like “Wine! Wine! Break the jars! / Dance till the stars fall!”
Additional Notes
Meter associated with wild, ecstatic, or celebratory themes. Named for Bacchus/Dionysus, god of wine. Related to Dionysian elements and orgiastic verse. Creates frenzied or unrestrained rhythmic energy. Use for ecstatic subjects.
Also Known As
Wine-god meter Dionysian measure Revelry rhythm Orgiastic prosody
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