Rhythmic Considerations in Poem XLVI of Trilce

Abstract

The present research analyzes, from a rhythmic perspective, how the verses of poem XLVI of Trilce (1922) are configured. Generally speaking, it is considered that this book of poems is completely avant-garde or rupturist (unconventional); nevertheless, we perceive traits that link it with the poetic tradition, especially in the poem mentioned. To highlight these traits, it was necessary to identify which method would be the most appropriate. After our search, we noticed that the most appropriate is the theory of Spanish rhythm formulated by Rafael de Balbín in his famous Sistema de rítmica castellana (System of Castilian Rhythmicity) (1962). With this book, we were able to concretize our objectives: to elucidate the versal (ex-ceptional) rhythm of this poem and, based on it, to identify how the avant-garde aesthetics of that book of poems is presented, with remnants of a classic sonnet. Autonomously, each type of rhythm is studied in the sections of our essay: first, the rhythm of length or length of each verse; second, the rhythm of tone or cadence of the poetic voice; third, the rhythm of timbre or use of rhymes and alliterations; and fourth, the rhythm of intensity or distribution of accents in the syllables of the verse. Our research is explanatory based on the analysis and interpretation of poetic discourse. Finally, we must state that the academic-literary value of this study lies in providing specialized critics with a hermeneutic contribution in relation to the Vallejiano avant-garde from a detailed examination of a specific poem.