What is prosody ? [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 1]

Prosody refers to the study of the patterns of rhythm, sound, and meter in language, particularly as they are used in poetry and other forms of literature. Prosody includes a wide range of elements, including the sound of words, their arrangement in sentences and lines of verse, their stresses and accents, and their overall rhythm and melody.

In poetry, prosody encompasses the study of poetic forms and meters, such as the sonnet, haiku, or villanelle, and the use of devices like rhyme, alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia. It also involves the study of the arrangement of lines, stanzas, and other structural elements of poetry, as well as the use of figurative language and other rhetorical devices.

In addition to poetry, prosody can also refer to the patterns of speech in everyday language. This includes elements such as intonation, rhythm, and stress, as well as features of pronunciation such as pitch, volume, and accent.

Overall, the study of prosody is an important aspect of literary analysis, as it helps to reveal the underlying patterns and structures of language that give meaning and beauty to our words. By understanding the techniques and devices used in literature, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and complexity of the written and spoken word.