Yes--Shakespeare's blank-verse is mostly rhythmical in the "off-stress-off-stress-off-stress-off-stress-off-stress(off)" with only a few missing.or reversed feet. In alliterative verse, as long as there are the four beats carrying the main sense on the alliterated words, the rest of the line can do what it damn-well likes.
Chaucer is nearer Shakespeare, similarly in iambic pentameter with occasional unusual feet to get the reader on their toes.
I haven't read a modern translation, although Tolkien came up with one.
The version of "Gawain" by modern poet Simon Armitage (published 11 years ago, so only available on Amazon secondhand) is by all accounts excellent for carrying both the rhythm and the meaning very strongly.
BTW, would you like my copy of the B7 zine 'Pride and Prejudice'? Published last year as a very limited edition, plenty of slash. I was given a copy by the editor and I feel I might as well let someone else have it to read and then pass on in their turn.
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Chaucer is nearer Shakespeare, similarly in iambic pentameter with occasional unusual feet to get the reader on their toes.
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The version of "Gawain" by modern poet Simon Armitage (published 11 years ago, so only available on Amazon secondhand) is by all accounts excellent for carrying both the rhythm and the meaning very strongly.
Reply
BTW, would you like my copy of the B7 zine 'Pride and Prejudice'? Published last year as a very limited edition, plenty of slash. I was given a copy by the editor and I feel I might as well let someone else have it to read and then pass on in their turn.
Reply
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