Attridge's Single-line Scansion
Attridge (1995:213) defines a fairly complicated and descriptive notation:
Symbol | Syllable type | Description |
/ | Stressed syllable | In metrical verse this is used for a stressed syllable not functioning as a beat (i.e. 'demoted') |
\ | Syllable with secondary stress | Secondary or subordinate stress. In metrical verse this is used for such a syllable that is not functioning as a beat (i.e. 'demoted') |
/ | Stressed beat | Stressed syllable functioning as a Beat |
\ | Secondary stress beat | Syllable with secondary or subordinate stress which is functioning as a beat |
x | Unstressed syllable | An unstressed syllable. In metrical verse this is used for such a syllable that is functioning as an offbeat or as part of an offbeat |
x | Unstressed beat | An unstressed Syllable functioning as a Beat (i.e. promoted) |
- | Elided syllable | |
Virtual beat | ||
Virtual offbeat | ||
/̳ | Primary beat in quadruple verse | The symbol is a slash with double underlining. |
a/ | Stress with alliteration | Used in Alliterative verse |
| | Division | Division between phrases or stress groups |
R | Rising stress group | |
F | Falling stress group | |
M | Mixed or monosyllabic stress group | |
ANT | Anticipation | Phrase of anticipation |
ARR | Arrival | Phrase of arrival |
STA | Statement | Phrase of statement |
EXT | Extension | Phrase of extension |
> | Continuation | Continuation of phrase over line juncture |
Read more about this topic: Systems Of Scansion