Repetition Definition of Repetition Repetition is a literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer and more memorable. There are several types of repetition commonly used in both prose and poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language—such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning.
Why do authors use repetition?
When used effectively, repetition does one of the following:
- Creates impact
- Improves Memory-retention
- Reminds someone of a much earlier event/topic needed to understand the current one
- Improves flow
What are some examples of repetition in literature?
Short Examples of Repetition in Poetry
- If you think you can do it, you can do it.
- The boy was a good footballer, because his father was a footballer, and his grandfather was a footballer.
- The bird said, “I don’t sing because I am happy, I am happy because I sing .”
- The politician declared, “ We will fight come what may, we will fight on all fronts, we will fight for a thousand years.”
What's the purpose of repetition in literature?
Here we go: Use repetition for rhythm. This is perhaps the most common way repetition is used in writing. ... Use repetition for emphasis. Most often, the experts will tell you to vary your word use. ... Use repetition for comfort . Comfort? ... Use repetition for attention. Once in awhile you'll want to jar the reader or surprise her, or wake her up. ... Use repetition for effect. ...
What does repetition in a poem usually mean?
What does repetition in poetry mean? Repetition means that a writer uses an element more than once. This could be an image, word, phrase, structure, or other poetic elements. Writers do this intentionally to create a specific effect.
What is the effect of repetition on the reader?
Importance of Repetition. Repetition is an important literary device because it allows a writer or speaker to place emphasis on things they choose as significant. It tells the reader or audience that the words being used are central enough to be repeated, and lets them know when to pay special attention to the language ...
What is an example of repetition in literature?
Repetition of Words. The last word of a clause or sentence is repeated as the first word of the next one. Example: "Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hatred; hatred leads to conflict; conflict leads to suffering." — Yoda, in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
What is the effect of repetition?
Repeating a word or phrase in a sentence can emphasise a point, or help to make sure it is fully understood. Without repetition: 'The soup was stirred until thickened. '
What is a good example of repetition?
Anaphora—repeat a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. “I have a dream that my four little children will [...] I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia [...] I have a dream today!"
What are the 5 examples of repetition?
Here are some familiar examples of repetition:Time after time.Heart to heart.Boys will be boys.Hand in hand.Get ready; get set; go.Hour to hour.Sorry, not sorry.Over and over.More items...
What is repetition give 5 examples?
Repetition is when a single word or phrase is used multiple times in short succession for effect. It can help emphasise a point. For example, 'I have to practice my times tables over so I can learn them' vs 'I have to practice my times tables over and over and over again so I can learn them. '
What is the purpose of repetition in writing?
When a writer utilizes repetition, they're putting multiple iterations of a word or phrase in close proximity to each other. In other words, a word or phrase is repeated to provide clarity and emphasis, highlighting deeper meanings in the text.
What is a repetition simple definition?
1 : the act or an instance of stating or doing again. 2 : something stated or done again.
What idea is emphasized through repetition?
The correct answer is key ideas or key points. Key ideas are the ideas that are emphasized through repetition.
What is an example of repetition in poetry?
anaphora: the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a line of poetry to create rhythm or emphasis. chiasmus: when a phrase is repeated backward. An example is: what is foul is fair and fair is foul.
How does repetition affect the narrator's tone?
How does repetition affect the narrator's tone? Repetition of the word lazy makes the tone humorous. Which details from the excerpt best support the conclusion that the narrator is speaking directly to a child?
What is it called when you repeat the same word in a sentence?
Definition of anaphora 1 : repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground" is an example of anaphora — compare epistrophe.
What are some types of repetition?
10 Types of Repetition in LiteratureAnadiplosis—Repetition in Successive Clauses. ... Anaphora—Repetition at the Beginning of Lines or Clauses. ... Antanaclasis—Successive Repetition of a Word, In Which Each Use Has a Different Meaning. ... Antimetabole—Phrases or Sentences Repeated in Reverse Grammatical Order.More items...•
What is an example of repetition in poetry?
anaphora: the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a line of poetry to create rhythm or emphasis. chiasmus: when a phrase is repeated backward. An example is: what is foul is fair and fair is foul.
What is the rule of 3 examples?
Because information presented in groups of three sticks in our heads better than other clusters of items. For example: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” “Government of the people, by the people, for the people”
What is simple repetition?
Repetition is the simple repeating of a word, within a short space of words (including in a poem), with no particular placement of the words to secure emphasis.
What is the literary technique of repetition?
Literary techniques: Repetition. Although repetition is important, it is a very easy technique to identify. This means that you should always further analyse and think critically about the deeper meanings it can represent. Never state that repetition emphasises the subject it is talking about.
How does repetition work?
When a word, phrase or statement is repeated several times, we often find it hammered into our brains.
How do I analyse repetition?
Repetition is very easy to identify, but may be more difficult to analyse. Here are some methodical steps that will help you analyse and discuss it.
What does Shakespeare's repetition of Jews and Christians mean?
Shakespeare’s repetition of ‘ Jews ‘ and ‘ Christians ‘ highlights the two religions. The word ‘ same ‘ emphasises the commonality between the religions and the anaphora of ‘if you ‘ challenges the existing prejudice against the Jews. 2.
What is Shakespeare's effect on the cycle of hatred and revenge?
The effect of this technique is that Shakespeare is representing the cycle of hatred and revenge that exists because of the religious prejudices that exist in society through the trance-like rhythm created by the repetition of words and phrases.
Why does Shakespeare use repetition in Shylock's monologue?
From this, we can see that Shakespeare has used repetition in Shylock’s monologue to confront his audience with the existing prejudice in society and its consequences – the persecuted seeks revenge. So, the repetition here is emphasises the cycle of hatred and anger that results from the existing societal prejudice.
What is the repetition of a sound at the beginning of more than two stressed syllables?
Alliteration: This is the repetition of a sound at the beginning of more than two stressed syllables. For example, “ she sold seashells… “
What is repetition in literature?
As a literary term, repetition (reh-pih-TIH-shun) refers to deliberately repeating sounds, words, and phrases within a piece of literature for the purpose of creating an intended effect. The point may be to rouse the reader, slow a reader down create rhythm, or make a passage easier to remember.
How many examples of repetition are there in literature?
BookFox offers a list of 17 literary examples of repetition.
What is the repetition of a word or phrase with one to a few words separating the instances?
Diacope: Diacope is the repetition of a word or phrase with one to a few words separating the instances. “I heard the train whistle, so I ran for the train and jumped onto the train .”
How many times does Klink repeat the phrase "some feel"?
Klink repeats the phrase some feel four times in the first five lines of this poem, using anaphora to create rhythm. Then, she uses it only twice more, fairly spread out, in the remainder of the 27-line poem, perhaps to demonstrate how one gradually shakes off the concept of individualism as one enters Nature:
What is the repeated use of words with the same root across a sentence or paragraph?
Polyptoton: Polyptoton is the repeated use of words with the same root across a sentence or paragraph. “Your comment felt point ed, but point ing fingers seems point less; please just make your point .”
What is a refrain in poetry?
Refrain: A refrain is an anchoring repeated element in a poem. It can be a single word or several lines.
What is the repeated deliberate use of a coordinating conjunction (usually and) where, typically, commas would?
Polysyndeton: This is the repeated deliberate use of a coordinating conjunction (usually and) where, typically, commas would be preferable. “The robot cooks and cleans and gardens and drinks and swears and gambles just like Mom used to.”
What is repetition in literature?
Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. Repetition occurs in so many different forms that it is usually not thought of as a single figure of speech. Instead, it's more useful to think of repetition as being a category that covers a number of more specific figures of speech, ...
Why Do Writers Use Repetition?
Given the large number of figures of speech that use repetition, it stands to reason that writers use repetition for all sorts of different reasons. That said, it's possible to describe some general reasons that writers might choose to use repetition:
What is the repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession?
Epizeuxis: The repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession, with no words in between. When the character Kurtz in Heart of Darkness says, "The horror, the horror," that's an example of epizeuxis .
What is the repetition of a phrase, but with the order of words reversed?
Antimetabole: The repetition of a phrase, but with the order of words reversed. John F. Kennedy's words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," is a famous example of antimetabole. Assonance: The repetition of the same vowel sound within a group of words.
What is the most common repetition figure of speech?
The most common repetition figures of speech are: Alliteration: The repetition of the same sound in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought the box of bricks to the basement.”. The repeating sound must occur either in the first letter of each word, or in the stressed syllables of those words.
What is anaphora in a sentence?
Anaphora: The repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. For example, Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech contains anaphora: "So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
What is the repetition of "the people" at the end of each clause?
His repetition of "the people" at the end of each clause is an example of epistrophe.
What is repetition in poetry?
Quiz. I. What is Repetition? Quite simply, repetition is the repeating of a word or phrase. It is a common rhetorical device used to add emphasis and stress in writing and speech. Repetition is widely used in both poetry and prose; throughout all genres and forms of literature and oral tradition.
Why is repetition important in literature?
Repetition is an important literary device because it allows a writer or speaker to place emphasis on things they choose as significant. It tells the reader or audience that the words being used are central enough to be repeated, and lets them know when to pay special attention to the language.
What is the repetition of a word in sequence?
Epizeuxis is the repetition of a word in sequence. For example, “ Why, why, why ?!”
What is the repetition of a word in the middle of each phrase or clause?
Mesodiplosis is the repetition of a word in the middle of each phrase or clause. For example, “One, but not two; three, but not four; five, but not six.”
Why do people use repetition in speeches?
Throughout history, people have used repetition to make sure that their audiences will remember and repeat their phrases and ideas; for example Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”: Martin Luther King, Jr. I Have A Dream Speech.
Why does Dickens use repetition in Tale of Two Cities?
In the famous opening to A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens utilizes repetition to add stress and emphasis to the positives and negatives of the time.
What is the most common form of sound repetition?
Alliteration is perhaps the most used form of sound repetition. One of the most popular examples is Mother Goose’s well-known nursery rhyme—. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked; If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Examples of repetition in a Sentence
Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition.
Kids Definition of repetition
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What is repetition in writing?
Repetition is a literary device that involves using the same word or phrase over and over again in a piece of writing or speech. Writers of all kinds use repetition, but it is particularly popular in oration and spoken word, where a listener’s attention might be more limited. In such circumstances, it can add emphasis and catchiness.
Why do writers use repetition?
Writers and speakers also use repetition to give words rhythm. As with other devices such as rhyme, consonance, and assonance, repetition adds musicality to a piece of text and makes it more pleasing to listen to.
Why is repetition important in speech?
Repetition is a favored tool among orators because it can help to emphasize a point and make a speech easier to follow. It also adds to the powers of persuasion—studies show that repetition of a phrase can convince people of its truth. Writers and speakers also use repetition to give words rhythm. As with other devices such as rhyme, consonance, ...
What are some examples of repetition in poetry?
Take this example of repetition from one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous poems, “The Bells ” (1849): From the jingling and the tinkling of the bells.
What is the term for the repetition of vowels?
Alliteration, where initial letter sounds repeat. While these literary terms all involve repetition, in literary analysis, experts usually use the term “repetition” to refer only to the use of recurring words and phrases.
What is the repetition of a single word or phrase in immediate succession?
Kennedy, who implored: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”. Epizeuxis, a.k.a. “palilogia.”. This is the simple repetition of a single word or phrase in immediate succession.
What is the Bible's equivalent to anaphora?
Epistrophe. The counterpart to anaphora, this involves repetition of the last word or phrase across successive phrases, clauses or sentences. There is a good example in the Bible: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”.
What is repetition in literature?
Definition and Explanation of Repetition. Repetition is not defined as one single “thing” in a work of literature. Depending on the writer, what they’re writing about, and the format the way in which repetition is used, it can differ greatly. One writer might use the technique in order to reuse a word, sporadically throughout the text.
Why do some literary works use repetition?
Some literary works may use numerous examples of repetition within their lines in order to help writers communicate their intentions fully. Some other literary devices that utilize repetition are:
How Does Repetition Help Poets Communicate?
Repetition helps poets communicate specific messages, tones, moods, rhetorical devices, and more. By using repetition alongside imagery and word choice, a writer can ensure readers understand exactly what they intended. The many forms of repetition are useful devices for those who want to emphasize a specific feeling or experience their speaker, or characters, in a poem are having.
What is an epistrophe in poetry?
For example, epistrophe is concerned with the repetition of words at the end of multiple lines. Or, its opposite, anaphora, which refers to words repeated at the start of multiple lines of poetry. Alliteration is another example. It refers to repeated consonant sounds.
How does repetition help Dickens?
Here, the use of repetition makes each line Dickens creates all the more impactful. They build up upon one another (a technique known as accumulation) and help the reader imagine the place and time that Dickens is going to explore in the novel.
What is the term for a writer who repeats words with the same root but different endings?
Polyptoton : A slightly harder type of repetition to spot, this occurs when a writer repeats words that have the same root but different endings.
Why is repetition used in poetry?
Repetition is used in poetry in order to convey a poet’s intentions. It’s used to emphasize an element of the poem and make sure the reader walks away feeling like the reader wanted them to.
Repetition Definition
Repetition Examples
- Here are additional examples from literature for each of the most common figures of speech that use repetition.
Why Do Writers Use Repetition?
- Given the large number of figures of speech that use repetition, it stands to reason that writers use repetition for all sorts of different reasons. That said, it's possible to describe some general reasons that writers might choose to use repetition: 1. Emphasis:The repetition of a word or phrase naturally serves to highlight it's importance within a text and as a thing or idea. 2. Persua…
Other Helpful Repetition Resources
I. What Is Repetition?
- Quite simply, repetition is the repeating of a word or phrase. It is a common rhetorical device used to add emphasis and stress in writing and speech. Repetition is widely used in both poetry and prose; throughout all genres and forms of literature and oral tradition. Aside from helping stress or highlight important thoughts and points, repetition ...
II. Example of Repetition
- Read the short passage below: The big stairs led up to a big house with a big front door. Breathe, breathe, breathe, I told myself. I only have to stay for one second, be afraid for one second, not scream for one second. I can do it. I can win the bet. I can prove I’m brave. The passage above uses several different styles of repetition to show the narrator’s anxiety. By repeating what the c…
IV. Importance of Repetition
- Repetition is an important literary device because it allows a writer or speaker to place emphasis on things they choose as significant. It tells the reader or audience that the words being used are central enough to be repeated, and lets them know when to pay special attention to the language. Furthermore, repetition has historically been an important technique for oral tradition, as it helpe…
v. Examples in Literature
- Example 1
Celebrated classic children’s author Dr. Seuss frequently uses repetition in his quirky and eccentric stories. Below is a selection from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fishthat demonstrates Dr. Seuss’s well-known, one-of-a-kind style: Dr. Seuss uses a combination of repet… - Example 2
In the famous opening to A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens utilizes repetition to add stress and emphasis to the positives and negatives of the time. Dickens’ famous words “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” remain some of the most celebrated lines in literature to thi…
VI. Examples of Repetition in Pop Culture
- Example 1
Repetition is a very popular way of adding stress and power when delivering a speech. Throughout history, people have used repetition to make sure that their audiences will remember and repeat their phrases and ideas; for example Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”: By repeating “I ha… - Example 2
In the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, Harry uses repetition to strengthen his grand New Year’s Eve speech to Sally: By repeating the words “I love that…” over and over again, Harry is placing emphasis on the fact that he loves everything about Sally, good and bad. He rep…
VII. Related Terms
- Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds, which creates rhyme. For example, “the black cat had the rat’s bag;” “how now brown cow?” “do you do voodoo?” - Consonance
Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound at the middle or end of a word. For example, “the cook broke his back;” “the duck struck some luck.”