A Phonological Study of Rhythm in Thomas Gray’s Poetry

Abstract

This paper deals with a phonological analysis of rhythm in Thomas Gray’s poetry. As such, the current study attempts to answer the following questions: a. what are the rhythmic patterns in Thomas Gray’s poetry? b. what is the role of rhythm in the construction of the poetic value in Thomas Gray’s poetry? Accordingly, this study aims to (1) identify the rhythmic patterns in Thomas Gray’s poetry; and (2) explicate the role of rhythm in the construction of the poetic value in Thomas Gray’s poetry. To achieve the aims of the study, the following procedures are adopted: a.reviewing literature on rhythm in phonological and poetic studies; b.using a model developed by this study to analyze the data under scrutiny which are represented by two poems randomly selected from Thomas Gray’s ones. It has been concluded that rhythm in Gray’s poetry is characterized by variation and effectiveness since it is not limited to one metering flow of feet. Additionally, deviations of stress in poetic rhythm are related to the general theme of the poem and the literary objective of the poet himself. This reflects changes in the mood of the poem.