Strophe

A strophe (from Greek στρoφή, *strophḗ*, 'a turning') is a structural division in a poem, typically forming a stanza or a section of a choral ode. It's particularly associated with ancient Greek lyric poetry and drama. Often, a strophe is paired with an antistrophe, a section of the poem that mirrors the strophe in structure and often in content, followed by an epode, which provides a concluding, often contrasting, response. The strophe’s primary function served to establish the form of the poem or the section, and it often signaled a shift in the chorus's movement or perspective.

Strophe meaning with examples

• In Sophocles' *Antigone*, the choral odes are structured with strophes and antistrophes. The first strophe describes the city's turmoil after the recent war, setting a somber tone. The chorus would likely move from right to left. This is followed by an antistrophe that echoes the same sentiment with a mirrored structure as it is presented and the subsequent epode further elaborates. Then they address the audience directly to provide context.
• Many Romantic poems, inspired by classical forms, include strophes though are not as structured as Greek drama. Keats’ 'Ode to a Nightingale' uses a free-form pattern of strophes. The recurring structure is often defined in its use of rhyme and rhythm throughout each segment, but is not defined in order. This stylistic element emphasizes the progression of the poem's argument and emotional development and allows a more intimate tone to build.
• Even in modern poetry, while the rigorous mirroring of Greek strophes and antistrophes is rare, the concept of a 'strophe' can still be applied. Consider the work of Ezra Pound's, The Cantos, who may use a strophe to indicate a specific point of emphasis or section in a longer sequence. Strophes indicate where the poet wants the reader to pause and digest a certain point. It indicates a pause.
• In the context of musical theatre, the term 'strophe' can indirectly reference a recurring musical section or theme that is repeated with variations throughout a song or piece. This echoes the concept of structural repetition and thematic development seen in the original use of strophes in Greek choral odes. Strophes are commonly utilized by poets to define the mood or tone.