Decoding the Alexandrine: A Deep Dive into Form and Fluidity

Jared Carter’s insightful commentary on C.B. Anderson’s definition of the alexandrine offers a rich exploration of this emerging poetic form. This article delves further into the nuances of the alexandrine, examining its structure, potential, and place within the broader poetic landscape.

The Alexandrine’s Framework: A Balancing Act

Anderson’s emphasis on avoiding feminine rhymes in the “major” (odd-numbered) lines is crucial. The extra unstressed syllable disrupts the metrical flow, creating an imbalance within the line’s inherent iambic structure. While feminine rhymes can add a delicate touch to the “minor” lines, their use should be judicious, appearing perhaps only once within the three-stanza form to prevent metrical overload.

Enjambment: The Engine of the Alexandrine

Enjambment, the carrying over of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without punctuation, is vital to the alexandrine’s dynamic movement. A wholly end-stopped alexandrine risks stagnation, whereas strategic enjambment creates a sense of forward momentum, propelling the reader through the poem’s unfolding narrative or emotional arc. Carter rightly identifies enjambment as the “motor” that drives the alexandrine, preventing it from becoming a “dreary affair.”

Syllabics and the Alexandrine: A Surprising Connection

Carter’s observation about the alexandrine’s syllabic nature adds another layer of complexity. While adhering to a predominantly iambic rhythm, the alexandrine, when constructed according to the formula, contains 72 syllables—nearly half the syllable count of a traditional sonnet. While syllable counting isn’t the sole focus of English poetry composition, it offers an intriguing lens through which to examine the alexandrine’s concise structure. This awareness of syllable count can guide the poet in navigating substitutions and inversions within the iambic framework.

The Volta: Predictability vs. Unpredictability

Unlike the sonnet, with its predictable volta (turn) after the octave, the alexandrine allows for a more fluid and unpredictable shift in thought or emotion. This volta can occur anywhere within the three stanzas, adding an element of surprise and keeping the reader engaged. This flexibility distinguishes the alexandrine from other lyric forms, creating a distinct reading experience.

The Alexandrine’s Place in History: A Nascent Form

While the alexandrine stanza has appeared sporadically in English poetry throughout history, its formal definition as a three-stanza structure with specific requirements is a recent development. Dickinson’s occasional use and its scattered appearances in 19th-century verse highlight its previous existence as a nonce form, lacking established precedent. Swinburne’s tribute to Landor provides an example of a two-stanza version, further emphasizing the novelty of the three-stanza alexandrine as defined by Anderson and Carter.

The Alexandrine’s Future: A Budding Tradition

The growing adoption of the alexandrine by contemporary poets signifies its potential as a viable and vibrant poetic form. Carter’s own prolific exploration of the form, coupled with the contributions of poets like Lori A. Claxton, demonstrates the alexandrine’s capacity for diverse expression.

Beyond Single-Word Titles: Expanding Possibilities

While Carter opted for single-word titles in his own alexandrine collection to maintain a visual balance, the title’s length is not a defining characteristic of the form. Poets are free to employ multi-word titles without compromising the integrity of the alexandrine’s structure.

Formatting Challenges: Indentation and Online Platforms

The technical challenges of indenting even-numbered lines in online platforms are acknowledged. While some older platforms might lack the necessary coding, current editors are generally equipped to accommodate the alexandrine’s unique formatting requirements.

In conclusion, the alexandrine, while seemingly traditional in its structure, offers a unique space for poetic exploration. Its fluidity, facilitated by enjambment and the flexible placement of the volta, distinguishes it from more rigid forms. As more poets embrace the alexandrine’s potential, its place within the poetic landscape is sure to evolve and flourish.