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strophe

strophe

9.9
A group of lines in a poem that form one section
  • noun
  • /ˈstroʊfi/
  • Literature
translation icon : estrofa
  • The opening strophes of Canriga 63 read as follows:
  • the strophe of the poet

Examples

  • In Alexander's descent below the sea (2288-324), in strophe 2289, the poet speaks of the seven worlds, only one of which is under man's dominion.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In strophe 2291, the conqueror tells us that there are still unknown worlds hidden from man and things yet to be discovered.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The theme is to appear again with specific reference to Alexander in strophes 2324-25.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Then, in strophe 2300, as the expedition is underway, the weather changes from calm to rough; uncontrollable, superhuman forces are at work.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Alarcos Llorach (1948) published a critical edition of the 400 strophes that paralleled the Latin original.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Whereas the second quatrain of Sonnet 200 chronicles those who fell, this strophe equates the poet with Biblical figures who triumphed over tribulations.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Each piece was strophic and contained two verses, which made for coherent sectioning of the strophes to allow nearly equal parts of expressive and unexpressive playing by the pianist.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The first strophe of the poem beautifully captures the essence of nature in spring.

  • In ancient Greek drama, a strophe often alternates with an anti-strophe to create a dynamic dialogue.

  • Each strophe in the ode contributes to the overall theme of love and loss.

Synonyms

verse
vsstrophe
  • Literature
215 3.4

A set of lines in a poem or song

is a specific section used in lyric or choral ancient Greek drama

Surface Forms

strophe singular
strophes plural

Etymology

Strophe comes from the Greek strophē, which means 'a turning', because in old Greek drama the chorus would turn and move across the stage during a strophe. So, a strophe today is a group of lines in a poem, like a 'turn' or change in the poem's idea or voice.