English Literature / Unit 19 ENL 1819 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Signature of Augustan Verse
Captions available
The idea
Augustan verse, from Dryden through Pope, is written in closed heroic couplets with balanced halves, antithesis and a caesura, in polished, Latinate diction. It is often satirical and public, treating society, manners and reason, as in "What dire offence from am'rous causes springs."
In practice
Closed couplets, balance, satire.
Where people slip
Balance often carries mockery.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
Unlocks
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