What is a Refrain in Poetry?
A poetic refrain is a set of words or a phrase which is repeated regularly in a poem. It is typically used to provide a sense of structure and repetition to a piece of writing, creating a lyrical effect. A refrain can also be used to emphasize an important idea or notion. It is usually found at the end of a stanza or poem, although it can also be used to great effect at the beginning of a poem. In its most basic form, a refrain is a single word or phrase which is repeated, but it can also be expanded to include a few lines or even a whole stanza.
History of Refrains in Poetry
The concept of a refrain dates back to ancient Greece, where it was known as a “strophe”. It was used by the ancient Greeks to emphasize important points within a poem. In medieval Europe, poets often incorporated refrains in their work. Renaissance-era poets like William Shakespeare used refrains to enhance the dramatic effect of their writing, as in “Romeo and Juliet”, where Romeo repeats phrases like “O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon”.
Types of Refrains in Poetry
There are several types of refrains which can be used in a poetic work. Some of the most common types are:
- The Interrogative Refrain – This type of refrain involves asking a question which is not answered until the end of the poem.
- The Deflective Refrain – This kind of refrain works like a tool for deflecting attention away from the main subject matter.
- The Circular Refrain – This type of refrain is repeated in order to form a loop or a circle, which completes the idea of the poem.
- The Climax Refrain – This type of refrain acts as a build-up towards the climax of the poem, usually involving multiple repetitions of the refrain.
- The Escapist Refrain – This type of refrain provides an escapist effect, in which the subject of the poem is allowed to imagine an alternate reality.
Examples of Refrains in Poetry
Perhaps the most well known example of a refrain in poetry is in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Lady of Shalott”, where the refrain is “She has heard a whisper say, a curse is on her if she stay”. This refrain is used to emphasize the idea of her impending doom, and serves as a warning for the reader.
Another famous refrain can be found in William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming”. In this poem, the refrain “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” is repeated multiple times to demonstrate the fact that the world is in upheaval.
How Refrains in Poetry Are Used Today
Poetic refrains continue to be used in modern poetry and are a powerful tool which poets can use to craft their works. Refrains can be used to emphasize important points in a piece of writing, to create a sense of structure, or to add an extra layer of meaning. Poets also use refrains to easily transition between sections of a poem, creating a smooth flow of ideas.
Some poets even choose to use refrains which are slightly altered from the original phrase in order to give the poem an added element of complexity and nuance. By doing so, poets are able to add another layer of meaning to their work and create something entirely new.
Using Refrains in Poetry to Create a Visual Narrative
One of the most effective ways to use a refrain in poetry is to create a visual narrative. By using simple visual elements such as repetition and rhyme, poets are able to craft a story which plays out on the page. A well-crafted visual narrative, when combined with the lyrical power of a refrain, can merge emotional depth with a tangible story arc.
For example, in G.K. Chesterton’s poem “The Donkey”, the refrain “Poetry and Prose” is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the idea that nature does not differentiate between the two. The repetition of the phrase feels like a wave which slowly builds in intensity, helping to create a powerful emotional punch.
Using Refrains to Highlight Important Themes
Another great way to use a refrain in poetry is to highlight important themes or ideas. By repeating a phrase over and over again, a poet can emphasize the importance of a particular point they are trying to make, or even encourage the reader to ponder a complex idea.
For example, Walt Whitman’s poem “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer” emphasizes the importance of experiencing life through direct experience, rather than relying on facts and figures. By repeating the line “The arts confess”, Whitman reinforces the idea that life can be enjoyed on a deeper level if one chooses to connect with the world around them.
Using Refrains to Add Depth to a Poem
Refrains can also be used to lend a poem an added layer of depth and complexity. By altering the refrain from the original phrase, a poet can create an entirely new idea or concept which has never been explored before.
For example, E.E. Cummings’ poem “My Sweet Old Etcetera” uses the phrase “etcetera etcetera ad infinitum” to explore the idea that life is always unfolding, and that there is no limit to how far one can stretch the mind. By altering the phrase “ad infinitum”, Cummings is able to lend an entirely new perspective to the poem, revealing that life is an ever-changing and unpredictable journey.
Using Refrains to Make a Statement
Finally, refrains can be used to make a powerful statement or even to challenge societal norms. By repeating a powerful phrase or idea, a poet can make a powerful statement which resonates with readers and encourages them to think deeply about a particular subject.
For example, in Audre Lorde’s poem “Power”, the phrase “I was born radiant with delight” is repeated multiple times to emphasize the idea that power does not come from external sources, but from within. By repeating this phrase, Lorde challenges the notion that success or power must be earned, and encourages people to recognize their own innate value and worth.
Conclusion
Refrains are an important part of the poetic form, and can be used to great effect to create a sense of structure and repetition. They can also be used to emphasize important ideas and themes, or even to challenge conventional thinking. Through their use of refrains, poets can add an extra layer of complexity and emotion to their writing and create pieces of art which will resonate with readers.
