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Retreating cadence

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 rhythmic pattern that decreases in intensity or stress as it progresses through the line

Detailed Definition
Rhythmic pattern that moves backward, recedes, or withdraws rather than advancing forward. Retreating cadence creates sense of backward motion, loss, or recession through metrical patterns that reverse normal progressive rhythm. This technique can reinforce themes of loss, withdrawal, or regression while providing formal variation.
Example
Example in poetry:
Retreating cadence ends lines with weakening stress or falling rhythm: Trochaic endings: “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” (Blake); In elegies: “And all our yesterdays have lighted fools” (Macbeth); Contemporary example: “The light fails— / the shore recedes— / the boat drifts”; Such cadence evokes resignation or closure; It contrasts with rising (iambic) endings; Common in lullabies and dirges.
Additional Notes
Rhythmic pattern that moves backward or recedes. Meter that withdraws or diminishes. Creates sense of retreat or fading. Can be used for thematic effect or to create particular emotional atmosphere.
Also Known As
backward rhythm receding meter withdrawing beat diminishing cadence Ebb meter
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