L’asinarteto ‘euripideo’ in Euripide

Abstract

The paper examines the presence of the so-called ‘Euripidean’ asynartete 2ia 2 trΛΛ in the lyrics of Euripides’ preserved tragedies (Hippolytus, Suppliant Women, Trojan Women, Phoenissae) with the aim to observe its function in each context and to establish if the two cola can actually form a single verse. The sequence 2ia 2 trΛΛ occurs as a (sometimes internal) clausula in iambo-trochaic contexts, where it emphasizes the rhythmical opposition, or in a mainly iambic context, where it produces a contrast effect. When there is synapheia between the two cola, they likely form an asynartete verse, whereas when there is dieresis, the asynartete nature of the sequence is doubtful, but can be supported by metrical-rhythmical and thematic considerations.

Keywords

• Asynartenon. Euripides. Greek Tragedy. Greek metrics. Hephaestion