Rhythm in Modern Poetry: An Essay in Cognitive Versification Studies

(Paperback)

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A pioneering work in cognitive versification studies, scrutinizing the rhythmical means of free verse. Investigating a previously neglected area of study, Rhythm in Modern Poetry establishes a foundation for cognitive versification studies with a focus on the modernist free verse. Following in the tradition of cognitive poetics by Reuven Tsur, Richard Cureton and Derek Attridge, every chapter investigates the rhythms of one modern poem, by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Sylvia Plath and others, and engages each element in the broader interpretation of the poem in question. In her examination of modernist poetry in English and other Germanic languages, Eva Lilja expands her analysis to discuss both the Ancient Greek and Norse origins of rhythm in free verse and the intermedia intersection, comparing poetic rhythm with rhythm in pictures, sculptures and dance. Rhythm in Modern Poetry thus expands the field of cognitive versification studies while also engaging readers writ large interested in how rhythm works in the aesthetic field.

Reviews

This is a landmark book. It sets out with clarity and commitment how an approach based in poetic cognition can illuminate poetry, metrics, rhythm and reading. Rhythm in Modern Poetry takes the reader on an intellectual and poetic journey in its compelling ideas and its artful expression. * Peter Stockwell, Professor of Literary Linguistics, University of Nottingham, UK *
Eva Liljas new book is not only for the scholars and students of cognitive versification, but for anyone who is keen to gain deeper insight into the poetics of free verse. Through a meticulous analysis of historical context and diverse art forms, the book unveils the underlying cognitive processes that shape modern poetry and shows the reader new ways to uncover the rich and subtle meanings of poetic rhythm. * Maria-Kristiina Lotman, Associate Professor in Classical Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia *

Author Bio

Eva Lilja is Professor Emerita of Literature in the Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Specializing in modernist poetry, she pioneered the study of free versification and was the founder and chair of the Nordic Society for Metrical Studies.