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Four-epitrite line

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 classical line composed of four epitritic feet (DUM-DUM-da-DUM), used for dramatic emphasis or emotional intensity.

Detailed Definition
A classical metrical line composed of four epitritic feet, each containing three long and one short syllable in various arrangements. This technical term from quantitative prosody represents complex metrical patterns more common in ancient languages than in English stress-based meter. Understanding such constructions helps in comprehending the sophisticated rhythmic systems of classical poetry and their influence on later traditions.
Example
Example in poetry:
Greek choral odes use four-epitrite line (– – u – | – – u – | – – u – | – – u –); epitrite (– – u –) creates stately, irregular rhythm; modern example: Anne Carson’s translations of Euripides retain four-epitrite cadence; this line appears in Pindaric victory odes for grandeur; it’s rare in English but influences free verse cadence; four-epitrite line supports elevated, communal themes.
Additional Notes
Classical metrical construction uncommon in English verse. Understanding requires knowledge of quantitative meter principles. More theoretical than practical for contemporary poetry students.
Also Known As
Quadruple epitrite Four-epitrite measure Classical four-unit Epitritic tetrameter
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