What is a refrain in poetry?

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Multiple Choice

What is a refrain in poetry?

A refrain in poetry is a line or group of lines that repeats at intervals throughout the poem. This repetition creates musicality and structure, helping to anchor the reader’s memory of the poem’s key idea or emotional mood. It’s not a metaphor, which is a figure of speech, nor is it simply the opening line or a single closing line; rather, it repeatedly returns to emphasize theme and unify the poem’s parts. By echoing the same words or phrases, the refrain can heighten emotional impact and signal moments of reflection or change.

A refrain in poetry is a line or group of lines that repeats at intervals throughout the poem. This repetition creates musicality and structure, helping to anchor the reader’s memory of the poem’s key idea or emotional mood. It’s not a metaphor, which is a figure of speech, nor is it simply the opening line or a single closing line; rather, it repeatedly returns to emphasize theme and unify the poem’s parts. By echoing the same words or phrases, the refrain can heighten emotional impact and signal moments of reflection or change.

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