What are repeated lines in poetry called?
Lines of poetry which are repeated at strategic points throughout a poem are known as poetic repetition. Poetic repetition can play a significant role in enhancing the mood and meaning of the poet’s words. It consists of the repletion of either full lines or phrases and is used in various poetic genres including epic and lyrical poetry.
The main types of poetic repetition include refrain (repeated line/phrase at the end of a stanza or section), anaphora (repeated phrase at the beginning of each line or clause), epistrophe (repeated phrase at the end of each line or clause) and epanalepsis (repeating a phrase or sentence at the beginning and end of a sentence, clause or line).
Poetic repetition is a stylistic device which can add emphasis and structure to a piece of writing. It can create a sound, rhythm, and meter to the poem, as well as drawing attention to important ideas and messages. Additionally, repetitive phrases can be used to create a mood and emotional effect for the reader.
Many famous and widely respected poets, such as William Shakespeare, Alfred Tennyson, and Walt Whitman, successfully implemented poetic repetition in their writing. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the phrase ‘the which’ is repeated five times, connecting two characters to each other while they develop their relationship. Similarly, ‘And miles to go before I sleep’ is repeated three times in Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken, emphasizing the distance between two divergent paths.
In contemporary poetry, repetition can be used in a more subtle way. Poets often use words and phrases to suggest feelings and imagery rather than stating their feelings directly. For example, Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise uses the word ‘rise’, which is repeated six times throughout the poem, to suggest hope and resilience in difficult times.
Purpose of poetic repetition in literature
The purpose of poetic repetition is to emphasize an idea or make a point more emphatic. Poets may reinforce an idea or concept by repeating the same word or phrase to draw the reader’s attention to it. They may also use the repetition to convey a sense of rhythm or musicality in their writing, allowing them to better express their thoughts and feelings.
Poetic repetition can also be used to create a feeling of unity throughout a work. By repeating certain words or phrases, the poet is able to connect different parts of the poem and draw attention to aspects of the poem which may otherwise go unnoticed.
In addition, poetic repetition can be used to suggest certain qualities such as strength, power, and stability. For example, Wilfred Owen’s poem Futility has the refrain ‘Move him into the sun’ repeated three times, which gives the impression of a strong will and determination.
Repetition can also be used to mimic dialogue and create a sense of realism in literature. By repeating certain words and phrases, the poet is able to give the reader a sense of what the characters in the poem are saying and thinking. This is especially effective in dramatic works such as plays, where the dialogue must be realistic and engaging.
Effect of poetic repetition on readers
Poetic repetition can have a powerful effect on the reader’s emotions. By repeating words, phrases, or even complete lines of poetry, the poet is able to convey strong feelings and emotions in an effective and meaningful way. For example, in John Donne’ poem Death Be Not Proud, the line ‘Thus though we cannot make our sun stand still’ is repeated four times, emphasizing the idea of death being powerless over life.
In addition, poetic repetition can be used to create a feeling of familiarity and comfort. Repetition can also be used to build a connection between the poet and the reader. For example, by repeating certain words and phrases, the poet is able to draw the reader’s attention to certain words or ideas, allowing the reader to better understand the poem.
Poetic repetition can also be used to convey thoughts and ideas which may be difficult to express in other ways. For example, certain symbols or words may be repeated a number of times to convey the idea that the poet is struggling to express their thoughts and feelings. This is evident in William Wordsworth’s The World is Too Much With Us, where he repeats the lines ‘And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil’ to express his feelings of despair.
Different types of poetic repetition
The most common type of poetic repetition is refrain, which is often used to draw the reader’s attention to a particular idea or point. Refrain is repeated at the end of each stanza or section and is used to create a sense of unity and structure throughout the poem. For example, Christina Rossetti’s poem Who Has Seen The Wind has the phrase ‘Nobody ever sees the wind’ repeated at the end of each stanza.
Anaphora is also a common type of poetic repetition. Anaphora is the repetition of a phrase at the beginning of each line or clause. It is used to emphasize a point and draw attention to emotions and ideas which the poet wants to convey. An example of anaphora is Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess, which has the phrase ‘Oh, Sir’ repeated at the beginning of each line.
Epistrophe is a type of poetic repetition which involves the repetition of a phrase at the end of each line or clause. It is used to emphasize a point and give emphasis to the poem’s message. An example of epistrophe is William Blake’s poem The Tyger, which has the refrain ‘What immortal hand or eye/Could frame thy fearful symmetry?’ repeated at the end of each stanza.
Finally, epanalepsis is a type of repeated phrase which involves repeating a phrase or sentence at the beginning and end of a sentence, clause, or line. It is used to draw attention to the idea or message of the poem and to emphasize a point. An example of epanalepsis is Robert Burns’ A Red, Red Rose, which has the line ‘O my luve is like a red, red rose’ repeated at the beginning and end of each stanza.
Conclusion
Poetic repetition is an important stylistic device which can help convey an idea or emotion in an effective way. It can be used to build a connection between the poet and the reader and to emphasize a point or idea. Different types of poetic repetition, such as refrain, anaphora, epistrophe, and epanalepsis, can all be used to enhance the meaning of a poem.
