A reverse foot in poetry is a metrical foot where the typical rhythmic pattern is inverted; specifically, it involves the reversal of stressed and unstressed syllables (or long and short elements).
Essentially, it's when the expected cadence of a metrical series or an individual foot within that series is flipped. This is often achieved by exchanging the position of stressed and unstressed syllables.
For instance, a trochee (stressed-unstressed) appearing in an iambic (unstressed-stressed) series would be considered a reversed foot. This disrupts the established rhythm, creating emphasis or a specific effect.
Example:
Imagine a poem primarily composed of iambs:
The wind | does blow | a cross | the moor.
Now, let's introduce a trochee (reversed foot) in the first foot:
Blow, | does blow | a cross | the moor.
The altered stress pattern in the first foot emphasizes the word "blow," drawing attention to it and potentially affecting the poem's overall tone or meaning.
Key Characteristics:
- Rhythm Disruption: Alters the established rhythmic flow of a line of poetry.
- Emphasis: Can highlight specific words or syllables, adding emphasis.
- Metrical Variation: Introduces variation to prevent monotony.
In Summary: A reverse foot is a deliberate deviation from the standard metrical pattern within a line of poetry, created by inverting the typical stress pattern of a foot. This alteration adds emphasis and interest, enhancing the poem's impact.
