Vol.2 (11) - The Feminine Ending

The Feminine Ending

Amphibrach or Hypermetrical?

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 2, Issue 11

Prefatory Remarks

This discussion deals specifically with verses written in iambic pentameter although it may apply to other metrical patterns. This metrical scheme, iambic pentameter, is commonly used in formal verse. Although variations are somewhat limited, they do exist and are utilized by poets to avoid the monotony of the strict iambic rhythm. For the reader, these variations can be welcome.

There are several valid substitutions for the iamb. These are the anapest, which is most common, the amphibrach, and, where appropriate, the trochee and dactyl. The last two are less flexible in their placement within the verse.

What I propose to analyze is whether we should use the amphibrach as the last foot or consider the final syllable of the verse as hypermetrical when dealing with the feminine ending.

Vol.2 (10) - Scansion: Is it Important?

Scansion: Is it Important?

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 2, Issue 10

Systems for Scansion

Scansion of verses is often thought of as unnecessary, and to a point this may be correct. In most cases, it is doubtful whether the poet is interested in the scansion of their verses, especially if they read well enough to satisfy. It is mainly when variations are introduced or there is some experimentation that scansion will be a necessity for the poet.