Stichomythia (Ancient Greek: στιχομυθία, romanized: stikhomuthía) is a technique in verse drama in which sequences of single alternating lines, or half-lines (hemistichomythia[1]) or two-line speeches (distichomythia[2]) are given to alternating characters. It typically features repetition and antithesis.[3] The term originated in the theatre of Ancient Greece, though many dramatists since have used the technique. Etymologically it derives from the Greek stikhos ("row, line of verse") + muthos ("speech, talk").[4]
Stichomythia is particularly well suited to sections of dramatic dialogue where two characters are in violent dispute. The rhythmic intensity of the alternating lines combined with quick, biting ripostes in the dialogue can create a powerful effect.
^[1], Antilabe Rebuilt by Robert Hogan.
^[2], Die stichomythie in der griechischen tragödie und komödie:
ihre anwendung und ihr ursprung by Adolf Gross (German).
^Brown, Lesley, ed. (1993). New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. p. 3056. ISBN 0-19-861271-0.
^Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th Edition Revised
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