Alison, I have been meaning to read that Greer book and am glad to be
reminded-- Laura Mandell has argued that many women poets of the
romantic period didn't have the education to write iambic pentameter
but used more popular meters (like ballad stanza) instead--i wonder if
these last are the forms Greer sees them subverting?
richard, the carruth essay sounds wonderful, I will look it up...my
favorite on pope is called Pope's Couplet Art--can't recall author's
name but it is such a thorough and loving taxonomy of Pope's
virtuosity, really unique.
re amphibrachs and Auden, Robin, your opinion sounds based on a real
expertise. I have heard the poem several times referred to as
amphibrachic, not only in wallace's book; I am no auden expert so will
take your word for it as well as theirs. if they are wrong and you are
right, then I'm glad I didn't know it when I was learning to write in
with amphibrachs, or i would have been so discouraged by the lack of
company I might not have continued, and i got so much enjoyment from
them...
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