Contraction (poetry)

Selected terms relating to the dactylic hexameter.

Contraction (in dactylic hexameter) is a term in epic poetry relating to the dactylic hexameter in which a long syllable is substituted for two short syllables. It's the opposite of resolution. Dactylic hexameter is also known as "heroic hexameter" is a form of meter in poetry or a rhythmic scheme. It is traditionally associated with classical epic poetry in both Greek and Latin and was considered to be the Grand Style of classical poetry. It is used in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid.

Further information

• See hexametrica Glossary of terms relating to dactylic hexameter