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Concrete poem

Form
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 poem in which the visual layout on the page—shape, spacing, or typography—is integral to its meaning and interpretation.

Detailed Definition
A concrete poem (or pattern poem) arranges words, letters, or typographical elements spatially on the page to form a visual image that complements or embodies the poem’s meaning, merging textual and graphic dimensions to create a hybrid art form rooted in visual semiotics and materiality.
Example
Example in poetry:
Concrete poem: Apollinaire’s “Il Pleut” (raindrop-shaped); e.e. cummings’ “l(a” (loneliness as fragmented typography); Contemporary: poem shaped like a smartphone
Additional Notes
Verse where visual arrangement creates meaning or image. Words form shapes. Also called "shape poetry." Related to: pattern poetry, visual poetry. Study George Herbert's "Easter Wings."
Also Known As
Visual poem pattern poetry shaped verse calligram Figure poem Iconic text Shape poem Shaped poem
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