ABSTRACT

Poetry criticism is a subject central to the study of literature. However, it is laden with technical terms that, to the beginning student, can be both intimidating and confusing. Philip Hobsbaum provides a welcome remedy, illuminating terms ranging from the iambus to the bob-wheel stanza, and forms from the Spenserian sonnet to modern 'rap', with clarity and comprehensiveness. It is an essential guide through the terminology which will be invaluable reading for undergraduates new to the subject.

chapter |9 pages

Metre and rhythm

chapter |12 pages

Blank verse

chapter |14 pages

The heroic couplet

chapter |17 pages

Rhyme and pararhyme

chapter |18 pages

Sprung verse

chapter |18 pages

Quantity and syllabics

chapter |32 pages

Free verse

chapter |28 pages

Verse forms (I)

chapter |36 pages

Verse forms (II)