"The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brain Prefers the Hendecasyllable"

"The Science of Poetry: Why Our Brain Prefers the Hendecasyllable"

Poetry has always captivated us with its rhythm and structure. There is something about the hendecasyllable, a verse of eleven syllables, that appeals to our brains. Francisco Javier Tapiador, the dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry in Toledo, explains that the science of poetry lies in uncovering the patterns and structures that make a poem work. These can include rhyme, rhythm, and other elements that determine whether a poem is considered good or bad. Tapiador suggests that science has allowed us to understand why we enjoy works like "The Odyssey" or the poems of Garcilaso, a renowned poet from the Golden Age of Spanish literature who introduced the hendecasyllable to Spain.

The hendecasyllable in Spanish has a unique sound and structure that captivates our attention. Tapiador explains that within the eleven syllables, there are different ways to arrange the accents, which can give the verses a solemn, agitated, or even anguished tone. This has led to the development of theories on metrics and the study of the hendecasyllable, which has been a subject of interest for centuries. Tapiador concludes that the hendecasyllable achieves a perfect balance in Spanish, even when poets write in free verse or blank verse. This rhythm creates a special sensation in our sensitivity, even without the presence of rhyme.

"The Secret Benefactor" (Comment: Rilke)

In a letter from Kippenberg, Rainer Maria Rilke receives the news that an anonymous donor, a discreet patron interested only in supporting Austrian writers or artists of undeniable talent who were truly in financial difficulties, has decided to donate 20,000 Austrian crowns to him. To put it into perspective, a hundred years later - just seven years ago - that sum would be equivalent to about 420,000 dollars. The generous unknown benefactor was a 25-year-old, disgustingly rich and eccentrically generous young man who was about to voluntarily go to the front lines. His name was Ludwig Wittgenstein, but Rilke only learned about the identity of the benefactor much later.

Wittgenstein was part of a circle of mathematicians in Cambridge. However, driven by one of his misanthropic fits, he left Cambridge to live completely alone in a cabin he had built in a secluded area of Norway. He believed that by detaching himself from the university world and mundane life, he could fully dedicate himself to philosophy. In his letter, Wittgenstein offered to transfer 100,000 Austrian crowns to Ficker with the request to distribute them among Austrian artists in need. Rainer Maria Rilke, poet Georg Trakl, and poet and playwright Carl Dallago were among the recipients, each entitled to 20,000 crowns.

Coincidentally, on the day Ficker received the substantial sum, the war broke out. Throughout the war, Wittgenstein managed to be deployed to the most dangerous positions. He emerged from the conflict covered in valorous decorations and astonishingly, with the manuscript of the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, which he wrote under enemy artillery fire and which celebrates its centenary this year. Of the 20,000 crowns, Rilke only managed to receive two thousand in cash advances from the publisher Kippenberg. The remaining eighteen thousand crowns, we can assume, disappeared.

The Tractatus begins famously with the line, "The world is the totality of facts, not of things." It is a philosophical work that explores the nature of language, logic, and reality. Wittgenstein's act of generosity towards Rilke and other artists in need reveals his commitment to supporting the arts and his willingness to sacrifice his own comforts for the greater good.

In connecting these two seemingly unrelated stories, we can find a common thread: the power of art and language to captivate our minds. The hendecasyllable, with its unique structure, appeals to our brains and creates a sense of rhythm and beauty. Similarly, Wittgenstein's act of generosity towards Rilke demonstrates the impact that art and literature can have on our lives, inspiring acts of kindness and selflessness.

In conclusion, the science of poetry and the generosity of benefactors like Ludwig Wittgenstein remind us of the power of art to touch our souls and connect us to something larger than ourselves. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to take away from these stories:

1. Explore different poetic structures: Experiment with different poetic structures, such as the hendecasyllable, to find the rhythm and structure that resonate with you and your readers.

2. Support the arts: Like Wittgenstein, consider supporting artists and writers in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference in their lives and contribute to the flourishing of art and literature.

3. Embrace the power of language: Whether you are a poet or a reader, recognize the power of language to evoke emotions, challenge ideas, and inspire change. Language is a tool that can shape our perception of the world and connect us to our humanity.

By understanding the science behind poetry and embracing the generosity of individuals like Wittgenstein, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for art, literature, and the human experience.