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Sprung rhythm

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 metrical system devised by Gerard Manley Hopkins based on counting stresses per line rather than syllables, allowing variable unstressed syllables for rhythmic flexibility.

Detailed Definition
Sprung rhythm, pioneered by Gerard Manley Hopkins, is a metrical system based on counting stressed syllables per line while allowing variable numbers of unstressed syllables; it mimics natural speech patterns and creates energetic, irregular cadences that heighten emotional and sonic intensity.
Example
Example in poetry:
Sprung rhythm: Hopkins’ "The Windhover": "I caught this morning morning’s minion, king- / dom of daylight’s dauphin"; "Pied Beauty": "Glory be to God for dappled things"; Contemporary use in Dylan Thomas’ "Do Not Go Gentle"; Denise Levertov adapts sprung rhythm for ecological urgency in "St. Thérèse of Lisieux"
Additional Notes
Gerard Manley Hopkins's meter counting stresses, not syllables; allows varied unstressed syllables. Creates dynamic, speech-like rhythm. Study Hopkins's own poems; note sprung rhythm vs. traditional meters.
Also Known As
Hopkins rhythm counterpoint rhythm irregular meter accentual verse
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