Time Series Analysis of Word Length in Oedipus the King

Favonius Supplementary, Vol. I, pp. 65-79, 1987

15 Pages Posted: 15 Oct 2009

See all articles by Dee Clayman

Dee Clayman

City University of New York - Graduate Center

Date Written: 1987

Abstract

A time-series analysis of word length from the iambic portions of several plays of Sophocles shows where verses begin and end, and the locations of principle caesuras within them. This result is shown to be a function of sentence length and Wackernagel’s law. It illustrates an author’s freedom to choose whatever word s/he wishes, modified by the choice of the previous word, and by certain features of Greek syntax and style functioning within the strictures of meter.

Keywords: Sophocles, time series, word length, Wackernagel's law, metrics

Suggested Citation

Clayman, Dee, Time Series Analysis of Word Length in Oedipus the King (1987). Favonius Supplementary, Vol. I, pp. 65-79, 1987, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1487312

Dee Clayman (Contact Author)

City University of New York - Graduate Center ( email )

365 Fifth Avenue
New York,, NY 10016
United States

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