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Stretched meter

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 line extended beyond its conventional length by added syllables or feet

Detailed Definition
Stretched meter involves deliberate expansion of metrical lines through extra syllables, pauses, or substitutions to slow pace, emphasize key words, or convey emotional weight; this metrical elasticity allows poets to modulate rhythm for expressive effect without abandoning underlying structure.
Example
Example in poetry:
Walt Whitman stretches meter in “Song of Myself” to accommodate democratic inclusivity; Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” uses stretched meter through breath-based lines; Christopher Smart’s “Jubilate Agno” stretches meter in ecstatic praise; C.K. Williams’ long lines stretch meter to hold complex thought.
Additional Notes
Stretched meter expands line length or adds feet to accommodate thought or breath—Whitman, Ginsberg; conveys inclusivity or urgency; balance with internal rhythm to avoid sprawl; often paired with enjambment.
Also Known As
Extended meter Elongated line Stretched rhythm Protracted measure Extended hexameter Extended measure
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