* Repetition in Poetry: Repetition is a powerful literary device used to emphasize certain ideas, emotions, or sounds. It can create a sense of rhythm, enhance memorability, and even evoke specific moods.
* Longfellow's Use of Repetition: Longfellow was a master of using repetition to create various moods in his poetry. Here are some common ways he employed it:
* Building Intensity: Repetition of words or phrases can build intensity and urgency, often associated with emotions like fear, grief, or excitement. For example, in "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," the repeated line "One if by land, and two if by sea" creates a sense of anticipation and suspense.
* Creating Rhythm and Flow: Repeated sounds or structures create a rhythmic effect, adding a lyrical quality to Longfellow's poetry. This can enhance the overall mood, whether it be solemn, joyful, or melancholic.
* Emphasizing Key Themes: Repetition can draw attention to important themes or ideas. For instance, in "The Psalm of Life," the repeated phrase "Life is real! Life is earnest!" emphasizes the poem's message about living life to the fullest.
* Eliciting Specific Emotions: Repetition can directly evoke emotions. For example, the repeated use of "The tide rises, the tide falls" in "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls" creates a sense of inevitability and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Examples:
* "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere": Repetition of "One if by land, and two if by sea" builds suspense and creates a sense of urgency.
* "The Psalm of Life": Repetition of "Life is real! Life is earnest!" emphasizes the theme of living a meaningful life.
* "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls": Repetition of "The tide rises, the tide falls" creates a melancholic and reflective tone.
To understand how repetition creates mood in Longfellow's poetry, you need to analyze the context of the repetition within each poem and consider how it contributes to the overall message and emotional impact.