Repetition

Definition:
The return of a word, phrase, stanza form, or effect in any form of literature. Repetition is an effective literary device that may bring comfort, suggest order, or add special meaning to a piece of literature. Repetition may be of single letters or sounds, as in alliteration and onomatopoeia, or it may be of whole words or phrases to create an atmosphere or mood. The repeating of words or phrases can add a sense of balance and rhythm to a piece of writing, as with the Gettysburg Address: "... of the people, by the people, and for the people."

Example Poem: "Fifteen"
By:William Stafford

South of the bridge on Seventeenth I found back of the willows one summer day a motercycle with engine running as it lay on its side, taking over slowly in the high grass.I was Fifteen

I admired all that pulsing gleam,the shiny flanks, the demure headlights fringed where it lay; I led it gently to the road and stood with that companion, ready and friendly. I was Fifteen.

We could find the end of a road,meet the sky on out Seventeenth. I thought about hills, and patting the handle got back a confident opinion. On the bridge we indulged a forward feeling, A tremble. I was fifteen

Thinking, back farther in the grass I found the owner, just coming to, where he had fliped over the rail.He had blood on his hand, was pail- I helped him walk to his machine. He ran his hand over it,called me a good man, roared away.

I stood there, fifteen

How Repetition Is Used:
Repitition is used when the auther repeats "I was fifteen". The auther wants us to focus on the event he writes about. The author wants us to focus on that point of his life when he was "fifteen" because this is when he realizes that owning a motorcycle is a big responsibility. It changes his opinion. Repeating the phrase stresses the importance of the event. Repititon changes the meaning from the begining to the end.