how do you determine the rhythm and meter of a poem?
also how do you translate a sonnet into everyday language?
Here are a couple of sites that should help with meter and rhyme:
http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/LTVersification.html
http://autocww.colorado.edu/~toldy2/E64ContentFiles/LiteraryGenres/Versification.html
Sonnets:
http://www.sirbacon.org/Sonnet/intro.html
http://www.bardweb.net/grammar/grammar.html
Specifically for help with Shakespeare's English.
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/sonnets/
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To determine the rhythm and meter of a poem, you need to analyze its patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Read the poem aloud: Start by reading the poem aloud naturally, paying attention to the syllables that receive more emphasis or stress in each line.
2. Identify stressed and unstressed syllables: Listen closely while reading and mark the stressed syllables with a '/'. For example, in the word "poem," the stressed syllable is "po/". Unstressed syllables can be marked with an 'x' or simply be left unmarked.
3. Identify the pattern: Once you have marked the stressed and unstressed syllables, look for a consistent pattern. Check if lines have regular numbers of syllables and if certain combinations of stressed and unstressed syllables repeat. This will help you determine the meter.
4. Define the meter: Based on the pattern you've identified, you can classify the poem's meter. Common meters include iambic (unstressed-stressed), trochaic (stressed-unstressed), anapestic (unstressed-unstressed-stressed), and dactylic (stressed-unstressed-unstressed). By identifying the meter, you can determine the poem's overall rhythm.
To translate a sonnet into everyday language, one can follow these general steps:
1. Understand the meaning: Read the sonnet carefully to fully comprehend its themes, ideas, and emotions. Make notes of any obscure or figurative language.
2. Simplify the language: Identify any complex or archaic language in the sonnet and find simpler equivalents. Look for words or phrases that can be replaced with more commonly used terms without altering the core meaning.
3. Clarify syntax and structure: Reconstruct the syntax of the lines to improve clarity and coherence. Simplify convoluted sentence structures and reorder phrases, if necessary, while preserving the original meaning.
4. Maintain the essence: Ensure that the translated version captures the essence, emotions, and central message of the sonnet. Although the language may be simplified, strive to retain the poetic elements and emotional impact of the original.
5. Read aloud and revise: After completing the translation, read it aloud to ensure it flows naturally and conveys the intended meaning. Make any necessary revisions to improve the clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of the translated sonnet.
Note: Translating poetry is a creative task and can be subjective. Different translators may have varying approaches or may choose to emphasize different aspects.