In a standard alliterative line, which stresses usually alliterate?
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Correct answer: One or both a-verse stresses alliterate with the first stress of the b-verse
Typically, one or both stressed syllables in the first half-line (a-verse) alliterate with the first stressed syllable of the second half-line (b-verse). The second stressed syllable of the b-verse does not participate in the alliteration.
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More Alliterative Verse questions
- How are vowel sounds treated in Old English alliteration?
- Which consonant combination is treated as a single sound for alliteration?
- What distinguishes Old English alliterative verse from later Middle English rhymed poetry?
- Which genre most commonly employs alliterative verse in Old English literature?
- Why was alliterative verse well suited to oral tradition?
- What is an a-verse in Old English poetry?