Refrain

Definition

A refrain is a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically found at the end of stanzas. It serves to create rhythm and emphasize key themes or emotions, making the overall piece more memorable. Refrains can enhance the structure of the poem and contribute to its tone, reinforcing the underlying message conveyed through repeated phrases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Refrains are often used in ballads and songs, allowing listeners to easily remember and sing along.
2. The repetition of a refrain can help to build emotional intensity and create a sense of longing or nostalgia within the poem.
3. Refrains can vary in length, from single lines to several lines, depending on the structure and style of the poem.
4. In analyzing poetry, identifying refrains can provide insight into the poet's intent and the overall theme they are trying to convey.
5. Some poets use refrains strategically to contrast with other lines or stanzas, creating tension or highlighting differences in tone.

Review Questions

• How does a refrain contribute to the structure and rhythm of a poem?
  • A refrain contributes to the structure by providing a consistent element that can anchor the reader's attention throughout the poem. Its repetition creates a rhythmic quality that enhances the flow of lines, making the poem more musical. This rhythmic consistency not only makes it easier for readers to follow but also emphasizes key themes or emotions as they recur at important moments in the poem.
• Discuss how refrains can impact the tone and theme of a poem. Provide examples from well-known poems.
  • Refrains can significantly impact both tone and theme by emphasizing certain emotions or ideas through repetition. For instance, in Edgar Allan Poe's 'Nevermore,' the repeated word 'nevermore' deepens the poem's melancholic tone and highlights themes of loss and despair. This repetition draws attention to the speaker's emotional state while reinforcing the overarching message about hopelessness. By repeating specific lines, poets can create a strong emotional response in readers.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of refrains in poetry compared to other literary devices. How do they uniquely shape reader interpretation?
  • Refrains uniquely shape reader interpretation by providing a familiar touchstone within the poem, making certain themes resonate more deeply than through other literary devices like metaphor or imagery alone. While metaphors may create vivid images or comparisons, refrains allow for an ongoing connection with key ideas or emotions as they echo throughout the work. This repetitiveness can evoke stronger emotional reactions and facilitate a more personal engagement with the text, as readers find themselves reflecting on what is being repeated and its significance within the broader context of the poem.

Related terms

stanza: A stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose, that often follows a specific pattern of rhyme and meter.

meter:

Meter refers to the rhythmic structure of a poem, defined by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.

theme: Theme is the central idea or message that runs throughout a literary work, often explored through various elements like character, setting, and imagery.