Repetition in poetry is a technique used to emphasize a point or evoke emotion when used as a rhetorical device. It is a popular tool that helps to convey meaning, strengthen a message or create a certain atmosphere. The repetition of certain words and phrases gives emphasis to the poet’s ideas and can also be used to create a particular rhythm or melody. In fact, repetition is an ancient poetic device and is still used today to create powerful and evocative poetry.
Poetry, with its use of repetition, can bring a sense of cohesion to a poem. Repetition can be used to add emphasis to a certain idea or line of thought, as well as to convey certain moods and feelings or to symbolize a certain message. Repetition is used to emphasize a certain phrase or create a pattern of sound. For example, when used in a poem, repeating a word or phrase several times helps to emphasize the importance of the point being made. This can be done through the repetition of the same word, phrase or line of text several times. Additionally, the repeated words or phrases can be used to create a catchy refrain or an echoing effect.
When used strategically and thoughtfully, repetition can bring an additional layer of meaning to a poem. It can be used to create a mood or add emphasis to an idea, and to make the poem more accessible to the reader. Repetition can also help to convey emotion and create a sense of unity in a poem. For instance, when a poet repeats a line or a verse to make a point, the reader is able to gain a sense of understanding of the poem.
In addition to creating emphasis and conveying emotion, repetition is also a great way to illustrate a certain message. For example, a poet may choose to repeat a couple of lines to show the reader the idea being projected. The repetition of certain words or phrases can also be used to draw attention to a certain image or idea, and to create a sense of unity throughout the poem. The repetition of certain words and phrases is an effective way to create an atmosphere or to evoke an emotion in the reader.
Repetition can also be used to create a sense of rhythm and to create a musical quality in a poem. For example, when a poet
repeats the same words or phrases, it can create a certain melody and draw the reader into the poem. Repetition can also help to illustrate certain ideas or themes and to create a strong impact on the reader.
Overall, repetition is an important poetic device that helps to create a sense of unity, add emphasis and convey emotion in a poem.
Examples of Repetition in Poetry
Repetition is an important poetic device used extensively in many kinds of poetry. In fact, some of the most iconic poets in history have used repetition in their work. Here are some examples of repetition in poetry, from the great poets of both ancient and contemporary times:
One example of repetition in poetry is by the renowned poet William Butler Yeats. In his work, “The Second Coming”, Yeats repeats the phrase “Turning and turning in the widening gyre” several times, to emphasize the image of a vast spiral and illustrate a feeling of chaos and disorientation.
Another example of repetition in poetry is from the English poet John Donne. In his work, “The Canonization”, Donne repeats the phrase “For God’s sake hold your tongue” several times to emphasize the idea of an individual’s need to be silent in order to reflect on the spiritual world.
In her poem, “Not Waving but Drowning”, the English poet Stevie Smith repeatedly uses the phrase “Nobody heard him”, to illustrate the idea of how people often overlook the anguish and misery of others.
Finally, the American poet T.S. Eliot makes extensive use of repetition in his work, “The Waste Land”, to create a sense of stagnation and despair. He repeatedly uses the phrase “What the thunder said”, to emphasize the idea of a great truth hidden in chaos.
Types of Repetition in Poetry
There are various types of repetition in poetry; some of the most common types are alliteration, assonance, anaphora, epiphora, and consonance.
Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words or syllables in successive sentences. For example, in the poem “The Rolling Earth”, by Lord Byron, the poet repeatedly uses the consonant sound “r” in the words “Rolling,” “rush,” and “roar.”
Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sound in words or syllables in successive sentences. For example, in the poem “To My Literary Friends,” by William Wordsworth, the poet repeatedly uses the vowel sound “ou” in the words “house,” “cou’d,” and “lou’d.”
Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of each successive sentence or verse. For example, in the poem “Do not go gentle into that good night,” by Dylan Thomas, the poet repeatedly uses the phrase “Do not go gentle” at the beginning of each stanza.
Epiphora is the repetition of a phrase or word at the end of successive sentences or verses. For example, in the poem “The Red Wheelbarrow”, by William Carlos Williams, the poet repeatedly uses the phrases “so much depends” and “upon” at the end of each line.
Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in words that are not at the beginning of successive sentences. For example, in the poem “The Camel”, by Gilbert K. Chesterton, the poet repeatedly uses the consonant sounds “m” and “l” in the words “mountain” and “alone.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, repetition is an important poetic device that has been used for centuries by some of the greatest poets in history. It is a powerful tool that helps to create a sense of unity, add emphasis to an idea, and convey emotion in a poem. Repetition can be used in various forms, such as alliteration, assonance, anaphora, epiphora and consonance, and each of these forms can bring an additional layer of meaning to a poem.
