Rhythm


 * RHYTHM!** by Alex Yuan

Definition of Rhythm (tempo/pacing): R**hythm,** usually defined as the basic temporal element, rhythm is concerned with duration and with stresses or accents whether irregular or organized into regular patterns. Rhythm in literature may be more difficult to quantify (there are no “bars” like in music) and pinpoint in comparison to rhythm in music (ex. quaver, semi-quaver etc) In both music and literature, rhythmic modes can be described as “basic recurrent patterns that are adhered to in composition” of a musical or poetic piece. Rhythmic patterns later began to develop into the Western system of [|meter] and its notation. = Principles of metrical practice in poetry. In different literatures, poetic form is achieved in various ways. Usually, a definite and predictable pattern is evident in the language. The line or verse of poetry is a fundamental unit of meter and is divided somewhat arbitrarily into feet according to the major and minor stresses. //Brief example:// In the stanza beginning, "Thirty days hath September," there are four stresses in the first line; there is no unstressed syllable between the second and third stressed ones. The types of feet retain the ancient Greek names: iambus ˘¯; trochee ¯˘; spondee ¯¯; pyrrhic ˘˘; anapest ˘˘¯; and dactyl ¯˘˘ (each "¯" representing a long syllable; each "˘" representing a short syllable). Accordingly the number and type of feet determine the name of the meter, e.g., iambic pentameter, five iambic feet; iambic hexameter six iambic feet; and dactylic hexameter, six dactylic feet.
 * Rhythm in Poetry: Also known as versification.**

//ON THE OTHER HAND, **Free rhythm**// also occurs in many contemporary poems. It has no meter (i.e., its temporal values are not derived from a basic unit). The types of rhythms used in a piece of work can be considered when analyzing the style of a composer (in music), author or poet.


 * Rhythm in Novels:** In novels, rhythm may be harder to measure, calculate or enumerate. This is because unlike in poetry, sentences are usually more complete and well formed and have a natural flow to them. Thus, rhythm may even be harder to detect. However, rhythm can be described qualitatively and definitely does play a crucial role in creating an atmosphere or tone for a novel.

Here are some examples:

In this novel by Garcia Marquez, the overall rhythm can be said to be quick and lively. The novel stays in constant movement as the story behind Santiago Nasar’s death unfolds. In scenes such as the wedding between Angela and Bayardo, or when the crowds gather on the dock to wait for the bishop’s arrival, the rhythm is relatively faster and livelier. This is because the rhythm can be created through **sound or sight imagery, and adds texture to the storyline**. At the wedding, where there is lively chatter and people walking about, rhythm is quicker. During scenes such as Pura Vicario’s beating Angela after Angela’s secret is revealed, rhythm is abrupt, but not necessarily rapid. When the narrator goes to visit Angela years after the murder is committed, rhythm is softer and more flowing.
 * __Chronicle of a Death Foretold__****:**

In this novel by Albert Camus, the overall rhythm is rather slow and repetitive. This is due to the fact that the main character of the novel, Meursault, is an indifferent and stoic man. Because the story is told from his point of view, even when his mother dies, no real emotion is shown and therefore rhythm remains relatively unchanged. For example, Meursault’s reactions to two significantly different events (such as going to the movies and attending his mother’s funeral) are the same. However, during scenes such as the beach scene where Meursault is about to kill the Arab, the pace, or rhythm does quicken. Through descriptions such as “throbbing blood” and a glaring sun, a climactic feeling begins to build up as rhythm quickens. Sources: http://www.reference.com/browse/columbia/versific http://www.reference.com/search?q=rhythm http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/12/06/specials/marquez-chronicle.html
 * __The Stranger:__**