Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/24082
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I have written poems in iambic meter before, and they didn't seem to be wordy. And for a long time I have wanted to use metrical effects in my prose, which is called prose rhythm. But I am wondering how it can be possible to restate something that is so clear and concise in another way that has the kind of rhythm I want.

I have been reading a book on how to write clearly. It makes no mention of accents on syllables or choosing and arranging words for prose rhythm. And I am honestly wondering how it is even possible to achieve specific rhythms without violating the principles in the book.

What concerns me is the lack of synonyms we have available for a given word. Maybe I am over thinking this, but how can we possibly achieve specific rhythmic effects if we don't have the right sounding word available? if I want to refer to a specific thing or concept, what do I do if I cannot find a synonym that has the right sound?

If there are definite means for phrasing thoughts in specific kinds of rhythm, what are those means? I have read and written poems that contained lines so direct and yet so rhythmical. I don't understand how this is not an accident.

One of the works that seems to baffle me in this respect is the King James Bible. I know it is the word of God but how did other authors imitate the style and rhythm of some of the books in it? They actually imitated the narrative style of the King James Bible. So they should be able to imitate the style of the prophetic books, the psalms, and the epistles as well. But how can this be done?

I am not really asking specifically how to imitate the style of the King James, but how to use rhythm at all without being unnatural or indirect. You read the whole question. You get the idea.

Please help me to figure this out so that I can use prose rhythm in my writing. Thank you.

Original score: 1