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Interlacing

Device
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 technique of weaving together multiple narrative threads or themes

Detailed Definition
A medieval narrative technique of alternating between multiple storylines, weaving separate plots together into complex narrative texture. Also called entrelacement, this device creates suspense by cutting between storylines at crucial moments while building thematic parallels and contrasts between the interlaced tales. Readers must track multiple threads and anticipate their eventual convergence, creating active engagement with narrative structure and discovering connections between seemingly separate stories.
Example
Example in poetry:
Interlacing appears in sestina form—end-words rotate across stanzas; Elizabeth Bishop’s “Sestina” interlaces “house,” “grandmother,” “child” for emotional resonance; modern example: A.E. Stallings’ “Sestina: Like” interlaces lexical patterns; interlacing creates structural echo and thematic development; it’s common in fixed forms like villanelle; this technique builds cumulative intensity.
Additional Notes
Medieval romance technique of alternating between storylines. Creates suspense by cutting between plots. Reader must track multiple threads and anticipate their eventual convergence or contrast.
Also Known As
Entrelacement Plot braiding Narrative weaving Story intertwining
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