How would I know which syllables are stressed?

Question

Okay, I grasp all the mechanics of iambic pentameter, except that discussions of form, like of sonnets, seem to treat stress as if it is too obvious to explain. They only give examples. Listen, I must have no ear for this aspect of speech. As I speak and hear in English inflection changes to suit the whim of the speaker--not to mention regional variation.

Is there a good explanation out there of stressed and unstressed syllables, as applied in poetry?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The only way I can think of to describe how I was taught syllable stress and tone for a sonnet is to show you with dashes!

_- _- _-

Down, up, down, up etc, or da-dah, da-dah, da-dah, emphasis on the even numbered syllables, second, fourth etc.

Maybe this is why it's treated as if it's obvious... Because it's so hard to put in to words (imo)!!

For normal everyday language, you stress the last but one syllable, however that can vary, and your best bet is to check a dictionary. E.g. in the word variation, the stress would be on the second a: var-i-A-tion.

For poetry, the more you read, the more you will find the rhythm, if there is one, some is simply spoken and expressed emotively. If it is rhythmic poetry, as in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line), then regional accent should not make a difference as to which syllable is pronounced. General rule of thumb is every other syllable, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th.

Hope I haven't confused you too much!

CG.

Answer 2

Alexa Marlena Serena Selena Delaney Natalia Liana Alicia Diana Vanessa Patricia Giana Briana Christina Katrina Alana Eliza Amelia Just some off the top of my head.

Answer 3

It is hard to explain in writing, but you just have to listen to various words and see if you can see where the stress is.
For instance, the stress is on the first syllable in the following words:

kennel
winter
shoulder
autumn
Robert
happen
message

On the second syllable in

massage
remove
perform
alight
towards
engrave
pronounce
.

Answer 4

There are explanations, most of which you know already! But the practical aspects like regional variations, you have to learn to 'pick up', from a lot of listening!