TMetrical constraint and the interpretation of style in the tragic timeter

"Metrical Constraint and the Interpretation of Style in the Tragic Trimeter is an interpretation of the choices the Greek tragedians made regarding particular forms of standardized variations in word order and prosody. Nicholas Baechle demonstrates that in their compositional practice, the tragedians collectively decided to accommodate metrically intractable words and phrases within certain prosodic variations. Grounded in metrical constraint and the mechanics of trimester composition, Baechle's study also extends to a greater understanding of the stylistic sensibilities of the tragedians and their feeling for the generic ethos of tragic dialogue. By means of comparison with Aristophanes' general practice and with paratragic imitations of tragic style, Baechle makes clear the distinctiveness in the style of tragic dialogue versus the rendition of speech in comedy. Metrical Constraint and the Interpretation of Style in the Tragic Trimester offers a critical and sophisticated perspective on Greek drama that will appeal to those interested in language and classical studies."--book jacket.