Innovative Rhyme in the work of Paul Muldoon

• Main Author: Sykes, Jennifer
• Published: University of Oxford 2008
• Subjects: 820.90091
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.487077

Exploring 'Innovative Rhyme in the work of Paul Muldoon', this thesis examines what it means to rhyme in English, with particular reference to Muldoon's poetry. It is widely recognised that rhyme has remained one of the most striking features of poetry in English across the centuries. However, the device has remained neglected by critics, both with () regard to Muldoon's innovative work, and to poetry in general. Addressing this neglect, my thesis discusses the development of Muldoon's use of rhyme through his ten fulllength collections of poetry, his play, Six Honest Serving Men, and also his opera libretti. In ranging across gemes, it shows how his work in theatre has had a strong influence on his other work, especially in terms of rhyme-schemes. The thesis argues that a thorough examination of rhyme is crucial to a proper appreciation of Muldoon's contribution to contemporary poetry. It also illustrates how close attention to rhyme can illuminate the work of other poets. In order to explore different aspects ofrhyme thoroughly, chapters 1 &i;-:\.' Y , and 2 relate to varieties of rhyme in Muldoon's work, and chapters 3-6 examine his use of rhyme-schemes.. Chapters 7 and 8 focus on rhyme and intertextuality. The thesis focuses predominantly on end-rhyme, but its definition of end-rhyme is broad. Looking at rhyme generally, the thesis challenges many common assumptions about the device. These include W.K. Wimsatt's famous argument that rhymes are most successful when the rhyme-words differ greatly in meaning, and also the idea expressed by the New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics that 'a rhyme not felt is not a rhyme'. Overall, this focussed examination of Muldoon's use of rhyme makes a significant contribution to many wider debates about poetic form.