1. Repetition and Parallelism:
* The poem relies heavily on repetition and parallelism, most notably with the phrase "I have known rivers." This repetition emphasizes the speaker's deep connection to the rivers and their historical significance.
* The parallelism in lines like "I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset," and "I've known its singing muddy waters" reinforces the speaker's intimate knowledge and experience of the rivers.
* This repetition and parallelism create a strong rhythm and sense of unity within the poem, highlighting the enduring power of the rivers.
2. Free Verse Structure:
* "Wealth" is written in free verse, meaning it doesn't follow a traditional rhyme scheme or meter.
* The poem's structure is characterized by a natural flow and rhythm driven by the content.
* The lack of rigid structure allows Hughes to express his ideas freely and create a conversational tone, making the poem feel personal and relatable.
Beyond these two, other structural elements contribute to the poem's impact, including:
* Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the rivers' beauty and power, such as "muddy bosom," "golden in the sunset," and "singing muddy waters."
* Juxtaposition: Contrasting the speaker's "wealth" (knowledge and experience of the rivers) with material wealth.
* Enjambment: Lines flowing into each other, creating a sense of continuity and movement, like the flow of the rivers themselves.
It's important to note that these structural elements work together to create the overall effect of "Wealth." They contribute to the poem's message of enduring history, connection to nature, and the true value of experience over material possessions.