Fridays are for Philosophy 3/4/16
Aristotle, and W. Rhys Roberts. Rhetoric. Mineola, NY: Dover, 2004. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Book III, chapter 8.
Regarding meter in prose, Aristotle says, “The form of a prose composition should be neither metrical nor destitute of rhythm” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). If it is too clearly metered it will disrupt the listener. If there is no rhythm “the effect will be vague and unsatisfactory” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). Aristotle thus recommends rhythm but not meter. The iambic rhythm is most common in speech, while Aristotle compares trochees “to wild dancing” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). Instead, Aristotle urges use of the paean, “since from this alone of the rhythms mentioned no definite metre arises, and therefore is the least obtrusive of them” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1409a). He gives examples of a structure for both beginning and end of a sentence.
Aristotle, and W. Rhys Roberts. Rhetoric. Mineola, NY: Dover, 2004. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Book III, chapter 8.
Regarding meter in prose, Aristotle says, “The form of a prose composition should be neither metrical nor destitute of rhythm” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). If it is too clearly metered it will disrupt the listener. If there is no rhythm “the effect will be vague and unsatisfactory” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). Aristotle thus recommends rhythm but not meter. The iambic rhythm is most common in speech, while Aristotle compares trochees “to wild dancing” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1408b). Instead, Aristotle urges use of the paean, “since from this alone of the rhythms mentioned no definite metre arises, and therefore is the least obtrusive of them” (Aristotle III.8, B. 1409a). He gives examples of a structure for both beginning and end of a sentence.
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