Literary Term - Anapest

 

Literary Term

Anapest 

Definition of Anapest

Anapest is a metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable. It is a type of poetic rhythm commonly used in English poetry, especially in humorous or light-hearted verses. An anapestic rhythm has a "da-da-DUM" pattern that can be heard in the opening line of Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat": "The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play." Anapests are a type of poetic device used to create rhythm, emphasis, and musicality in poetry and prose. They are often used in limericks, nursery rhymes, and other light-hearted poetry to create a lively and upbeat tone.

Difference Between Anapest and Dactyl

Anapest and dactyl are both metrical feet used in poetry to create rhythm and emphasis. The main difference between anapest and dactyl lies in their patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables.

An anapest consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable, which creates a "da-da-DUM" pattern. For example, the word "understand" is an anapest because it has an unstressed syllable followed by two stressed syllables: "un-der-STAND."

In contrast, a dactyl consists of a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables, which creates a "DUM-da-da" pattern. For example, the word "poetry" is a dactyl because it has a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables: "PO-e-try."

Anapests are often used in light, upbeat poetry, while dactyls are more commonly used in serious or dramatic poetry. However, both anapests and dactyls can be used in a variety of poetic forms and styles, and poets may choose to use them for their unique sound and rhythm.

Examples of Anapest in Literature

"Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house" - from the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore.

"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky" - from the poem "Sea-Fever" by John Masefield.

"I am the very model of a modern Major-General, I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral" - from the song "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" by W.S. Gilbert.

"The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold, And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold" - from the poem "The Destruction of Sennacherib" by Lord Byron.

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree" - from the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

In each of these examples, the stressed syllables are emphasized and fall on the last syllable of each anapest, creating a rhythm that is light, bouncy, and musical.

Function of Anapest

The main function of anapest in literature is to create a musical and rhythmic pattern that can engage the reader or listener's attention and enhance the overall effect of the poem or prose.

The use of anapestic meter can give a poem a light and upbeat tone, as the rhythm has a bouncy and energetic quality that can convey a sense of movement or excitement. Anapests are often used in humorous or playful poetry, such as limericks or nursery rhymes, to create a lively and entertaining effect.

In addition, the anapest can also be used to emphasize certain words or phrases within a line or stanza, as the stressed syllable at the end of the foot can create a sense of tension or importance. This can be useful for poets who wish to draw attention to a particular image or idea.

Overall, anapests can be a useful tool for poets who wish to create a dynamic and engaging rhythm in their work, and can contribute to the overall impact and effect of a poem or prose passage.