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Decorum principle

Concept
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

The classical rule that style and content should match the subject’s dignity

Detailed Definition
The decorum principle, derived from classical rhetoric, holds that a poem’s style, diction, and form should match the dignity and nature of its subject; thus, epic themes demand elevated language, while pastoral scenes suit simpler, rustic expression.
Example
Example in poetry:
Decorum principle: A pastoral poem using idealized rural imagery fitting its theme; A heroic epic with elevated diction appropriate to its subject; A sonnet with strict rhyme and meter fitting lyrical tradition; Use of high style in serious themes and low style in comic poetry
Additional Notes
Decorum principle: The classical and neoclassical rule that style, genre, and tone must be appropriate to the subject matter and characters; a lack of decorum can be used deliberately for comic or absurdist effect.
Also Known As
Propriety principle Fitness doctrine Aesthetic appropriateness Stylistic correctness Decoro
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