关于英语诗用韵的思考

On the Use of Rhyme in Poetry

20世纪英语诗越来越漠视用韵,但韵的功用已为数百年英诗发展历史所证实。现代英语诗冷落诗韵的原因,一是英语不易押韵的性质所决定,二是今人已不尚诗韵,三是受时代因素影响。韵是诗歌节奏的一部分,今诗韵弱,但其他节奏手段相对增强,故整体节奏美还在。然而据笔者考查,韵不但不会退出历史舞台,而且正在重新成为一种时尚,为新世纪添彩。

Rhyme used to dominate English poetry since Chaucer's time, but is used less and less in modern poetry. This is largely due to the fact that English is less adaptable to rhyme as compared with languages like Chinese, to the dwindling number of people regarding rhyme as important for poetry, and to the change of times. As rhyme is considered part of rhythm, its waning may be compensated for by other rhythm means, as can generally be seen in 20th-century poetry. Nevertheless, modern developments point to the fact that rhyme is gaining favour and will be in fashion again in the new century.