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Implied argument

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

A logical assertion suggested but not directly stated in the text

Detailed Definition
A logical premise or assumption left unstated but necessary for a poem's argument or meaning to function, requiring readers to supply the missing link in reasoning. This technique creates active reader participation in meaning-making, as audiences must infer connections not explicitly stated. Particularly common in compressed forms like haiku where much must be implied, this device trusts readers to complete thoughts and makes poetry collaborative between writer and reader.
Example
Example in poetry:
Shakespeare’s sonnets use implied argument: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” implies lover surpasses nature; John Donne’s “The Flea” argues seduction through insect metaphor without stating it directly; implied argument persuades through imagery and logic; modern example: Terrance Hayes’ “American Sonnet” critiques racism via tennis imagery; this technique engages reader as co-reasoner; it’s common in metaphysical and political poetry.
Additional Notes
Logical premise not stated but necessary for argument to work. Reader must supply missing link. Creates reader participation in meaning-making. Common in compressed forms like haiku where much is implied.
Also Known As
Unstated premise Hidden assumption Suppressed argument Implicit logic
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