Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! The poet uses a refrain throughout the text that is central to the meaning. The ABA rhyme scheme for the tercets, and ABAA rhyme scheme for the quatrain, are color-coded as well. Refrain literally means to repeat. Refrain is a form of repetition, as a literary device, refrain is repetition that specifically occurs in song and poetry. The first villanelle in the form known today was written in 1606 by the French poet Jean Passerat. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Refrains can rhyme, although it is not necessary. Then practice losing farther, losing faster:places, and names, and where it was you meantto travel. Its 100% free. Note that it varies slightly in the sixth stanza, 'the art of losing's not too hard to master,' but it still counts as the refrain. to travel. It is celebratory and then horror or grief-filled. Everything You Need to know about Rhyme Schemes in Poetry, https://poemanalysis.com/literary-device/refrain/, Poems covered in the Educational Syllabus. There in the twilight cold and gray,Lifeless, but beautiful, he layA voice fell like a falling star,Excelsior!. WebRefrain is a verse, a line, a set, or a group of lines that appears at the end of stanza, or appears where a poem divides into different sections. Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. This repeated phrase is called the burden. Refrains are useful literary devices when used in poems and are a type of repetition. Do not go gentle into that good night,Old age should burn and rave at close of day;Rage, rage against the dying of the light, And you, my father, there on the sad height,Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.Do not go gentle into that good night.Rage, rage against the dying of the light.. Stopping By The Woods on a Snowy Evening Robert Frost. The English poet W.H. which she delivered without preparation at a women's rights convention in Ohio in 1851. They are repeated sections of text that usually appear at the end of a stanza or verse. The wood's green heart is a nest of dreams, The lush grass thickens and springs and sways, The rathe wheat rustles, the landscape gleams-- Midsummer days! The distinction between the two is clear (now). so many things seem filled with the intent. A writer will select a section of text that is of extra importance and use it more than once in a poem. Heres a quick and simple definition: In a poem or song, a refrain is a line or group of lines that regularly repeat, usually at the end of a stanza in a poem or at the end of a verse in a song. Refrain is a type of repetition, but it is somewhat different from repetition. The song, which is characterized by its exuberant refrain, is deceptively upbeat and danceable, even though its subject is quintessentially depressing: Andr 3000 is singing about how he thinks that all love is a sham and he's unhappy in his relationship. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.". Refrain literally means to repeat. Refrain is a form of repetition, as a literary device, refrain is repetition that specifically occurs in song and poetry. One moose, two moose. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. This word means to repeat. 2. : a comment or statement that is often repeated. WebIn such writing, a refrain refers simply to any phrase or sentence is regularly repeated. She also has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Nursing Administration and Leadership from Western Governors University. They restate the emotions and setting associated with thespeakers memories. A Summary View of the Rights of British America, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, Non Sum Qualis Eram Bonae Sub Regno Cynarae. It can also be repeated exactly, or the phrasing can vary slightly. Refine any search. Delivered to your inbox! Here are the first two stanzas of the poem: Water hollows stone, wind scatters water, stone stops the wind. This theme continues throughout. The effect of refrain is that the repetition of a word, line or phrase emphasises a chosen idea. Stopping By The Woods on a Snowy Evening Robert Frost. What is a refrain? The repetition might occur once or several times. For example, Keeping time, time, time and As he knells, knells, knells. Plus, there is the refrain, the repetition of bells that appears at the end of every stanza. In Ja Rule's "Always on Time," he brings in Ashanti to sing the refrain: Baby, I'm not always there when you call, but I'm always on time And I gave you my all, now baby, be mine. In this sense, these lines might directly refer to the song's refrain: listeners think that the chorus is just an excuse for dancing, when maybe it's meant to express the frustration and incomprehensibility of failed love. These men come and go, and the brook is always there. In a speech or other prose writing, a refrain can refer to any phrase that repeats a number of times within the text. You only need to pick one repetend, burden, or chorus, as refrain is most effective when it is distinct from the rest of the poem. WebThe refrain is a poetic device used in literature, and is defined as a word, line, or phrase repeated in a poem. 2. : a comment or statement that is often repeated. In the clamor and the clangor of the bells! A writer will select a section of text that is of extra importance and use it more than once in a poem. There is also a repetition of an "eep" sound. The repeated in the use of refrain is called the 'repetend'. Scansion in Poetry Concept & Examples | What Is Scansion? The art of losing isnt hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster. Sometimes refrains rhyme, though it is not necessary. Then: Focus on choosing one word or a phrase or a collection of phrases that you feel would best emphasise these ideas or themes. With each refrain, the meaning should build up the poem so that, in spite of repeating a word or phrase, your refrain means more each time. For more in-depth information about each of these forms, and for examples of how refrains are used in each, visit the individual entries for each type of poem. Webri-frn-mnt noun refrain 2 of 2 noun 1 : a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus also : the musical setting of a refrain 2 : a comment or statement that is often repeated Synonyms Verb abjure abstain (from) forbear forgo forego keep (from) withhold (from) Noun burden chorus chorus (SONG OR SONG PART) a phrase that is often It likely got stuck there because of the chorus. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Some poetic forms require a refrain, like a villanelle or a sestina. The refrain is derived from the French word refraindre, which means to repeat. Because a refrain can refer to virtually any kind of repetition in prose writing, it can overlap with other figures of speech that refer to very specific sorts of repetition, including epistrophe and anaphora. In Elizabeth's Bishop's "One Art," the refrain is: "The art of losing isn't hard to master." Learn a new word every day. For example, the same line might end every stanza, or the writer might circle back around to a phrase multiple times. Here are the last lines of stanza one: To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells! Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay. Will you pass the quiz? Refrain is a technique used in many well-known poems. of the users don't pass the Refrain quiz! Something it gives each day. Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, World Literature: Drama Through the 19th Century, World Literature: Drama Since the 20th Century, William Blake: Poems, Quotes and Biography, Songs of Innocence and Experience by Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Poems and Biography, Ode on a Grecian Urn by Keats: Analysis and Summary, Intro to Music for Teachers: Professional Development, World Religions for Teachers: Professional Development, AP Music Theory Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, DSST Introduction to World Religions: Study Guide & Test Prep, UExcel Introduction to Music: Study Guide & Test Prep, Introduction to Music: Certificate Program, Introduction to World Religions: Certificate Program, Introduction to Humanities: Help and Review, Native West African Religions & Traditions, George M. Cohan: Biography, Music & Songs, Hello, Dolly! The refrain is a versatile literary device that takes many forms and has many purposes. Browse all terms For wintry webs of mist on high Out of the muffled earth are springing, And golden Autumn passes by. Create your account. This makes it easy to spot the use of refrain with even just a glance! Coming from an old French word refraindre, meaning to repeat, a poetic refrain is a word, group of words, line, or group of lines repeated at specific moments in the poem. When reading, pay attention to any repeating words or phrases. It helps create emphasis, syntax, and rhythm. And ain't I a woman? In the above given poem, Crapsey uses refrain properly scholarly attitude to highlight the theme of being a poet having proper scholarly attitude. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. Explanations and citation info for 35,470 quotes across 1699 books, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. O singer of Persephone! Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou, I said, art sure no craven, Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore, Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Nights Plutonian shore!. The part of a refrain that is repeated is called the repetend and refers to a single word that is repeated. Accessed 5 Mar. This is called the chorus. Paradox in Literature: Examples | What is a Paradox in Literature? Villanelles use a specific rhyme scheme of ABA for their tercets, and ABAA for the quatrain. Refrains are found in the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead and are common in primitive tribal chants. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! Send us feedback. In the last stanza, a quatrain, these two lines appear again as the final two lines of the poem. Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture I love) I shant have lied. The line For men may come, and men may go /, But I go on forever is repeated four times in the thirteen stanzas. Refrain contributes to the rhythm of a poem and this helps keep the rhythmic structure of the poem. Some additional key details about refrains: Here's how to pronounce refrain: re-frayn. In poetry, the repetend is a single word repeated at regular intervals throughout the poem. Webrefrain, phrase, line, or group of lines repeated at intervals throughout a poem, generally at the end of the stanza. Repetition can occur in anything from prose and fiction to an ordinary conversation or a comedy sketch. LitCharts Teacher Editions. In Annabel Lee, line two of the stanzas is repeated: In a kingdom by the sea. Some scholars have suggested that Poe may have been inspired to write this piece by Marie Louise Shew, who helped care for Poes wife while she was dying. And you, my father, there on the sad height. Comic Relief Overview & Examples | What is Comic Relief? UExcel Business Ethics: Study Guide & Test Prep, Principles of Business Ethics: Certificate Program, Introduction to Humanities: Certificate Program, Intro to Humanities Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, History of Major World Religions Study Guide, MTEL Middle School Humanities (50): Practice & Study Guide, MTTC Social Studies (Elementary) (105) Prep, History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction, Psychology 107: Life Span Developmental Psychology, SAT Subject Test US History: Practice and Study Guide, NYSTCE Music (075): Practice and Study Guide, SAT Subject Test Literature: Practice and Study Guide, NY Regents Exam - Physics: Test Prep & Practice, NY Regents Exam - Geometry: Test Prep & Practice, Create an account to start this course today. In poems, lines are written and divided based on the rhythm and syntax the reader is conveying. This is another example of a good use of the refrain. A stanza is a group of lines within a poem that makes up a verse. Like Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman? It also contributes to the rhyme of a poem and emphasizes an idea through repetition. And you, my father, there on the sad height,Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.Do not go gentle into that good night.Rage, rage against the dying of the light. This refrain compliments the first one in rhyme scheme and rhythm. And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight. next-to-last, of three loved houses, went. But we looked into a fire, we leaned across a table. Weba short part of a song or poem that is repeated, especially between the verses (= the separate parts) Synonym. I lost two cities, lovely ones. Hey ya! Something it gives each day. Poems often rhyme, although it is not necessary. All terms defined are created by a team of talented literary experts, to provide an in-depth look into literary terms and poetry, like no other. While refrain and repetition may sound like the same idea in poems, there are some differences. chorus (SONG OR SONG PART) a phrase that is often In the dim meadows desolate Dost thou remember Sicily? Denouement Examples & Structure | What is a Denouement? King uses this refrain for many reasons, but among the most important is that the repetition of "I have a dream" creates a rhythm that makes the statement begin to feel inevitable. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. However, it is still considered a refrain in this instance. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Since that time, refrains have been used in all types of poetry (including in free verse) and the conventions that originally determined the ways in which refrains could be usedthat repetition had to be identical in each instance and had to occur at regular intervals, for examplewere met with new variations and innovations. Plaintively you speak your love; All my speech is turned into "I have lost my turtledove." The repeated lines Do not go gentle into that good night (line one) and Rage, rage against the dying of the light (line three) emphasise the narrators intense feelings for the subject of the poem to keep fighting to stay alive. It is also one of the lines that will be most easily remembered in the poem. The answer to these questions is yes. Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter. The refrain is typically found at the end of While refrain is a popular device in poetry, you are probably most familiar with its use in song lyrics. An atypical example of refrain, Octavio Paz's "Wind, Water, Stone" repeats the same set of words as the refrain of each quatrain in the poem, but the words appear in different orders in each occurrence of the refrain. The speaker is only left with the memory of his dead love, Lenore. This extract is from stanzas six to nine: Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning. Over 10 million students from across the world are already learning smarter. And ain't I a woman? Generally speaking, refrains repeat at regular intervals throughout a poem, such as at the end of every stanza. Webri-frn-mnt noun refrain 2 of 2 noun 1 : a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus also : the musical setting of a refrain 2 : a comment or statement that is often repeated Synonyms Verb abjure abstain (from) forbear forgo forego keep (from) withhold (from) Noun burden chorus This excerpt includes only the first three and the final stanzas of the poem. WebIn such writing, a refrain refers simply to any phrase or sentence is regularly repeated. to be lost that their loss is no disaster. Notice that this line, though, varies slightly in the final stanza, yet is still considered to be a refrain. Having these words in mind, think about the overall meaning or idea of the poem. You use refrain in a number of ways, mostly repeating a word, line, or phrase multiple times throughout the poem. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sightBlind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Anapestic Meter Function, Uses & Examples | What is Anapestic Meter? A poem's structure refers to how it is organized. And, vaster. Eye Rhyme in Poetry | Overview & Examples. The burden refers to a phrase that is repeated throughout the poem. WebRefrain Definition. Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. WebIn poetry, a refrain is something that is repeated in a poem, whether its a single word, a phrase, a line, or a group of lines. All Rights Reserved. Lest Winter come, with wailing cry His cruel icy bondage bringing, When golden Autumn hath passed by. like disaster.". Repetition may mean repeating syllables or sounds as well. This word means to repeat. The first and third lines of the first tercet alternate as the last lines of the remaining tercets. So, while every chorus in a song is a refrain, not every refrain is a chorus. my Captain! In the last line of each stanza (except stanza two), the author uses the repetend nevermore. A poetic refrain can appear at the end of a stanza, or it can appear as its stanza. In speeches and other prose writing, a refrain refers simply to any phrase or sentence that is regularly repeated. The refrains in this poem are the phrases that are repeated. Refrains can keep the rhythm and rhyme scheme the same but change meaning with the progression of the poem. Im with you in Rockland where youre madder than I am Im with you in Rockland where you must feel very strange Im with you in Rockland where you imitate the shade of my mother Im with you in Rockland where youve murdered your twelve secretaries Im with you in Rockland where you laugh at this invisible humor Im with you in Rockland where we are great writers on the same dreadful typewriter Im with you in Rockland where your condition has become serious and is reported on the radio. Accept the flusterof lost door keys, the hour badly spent.The art of losing isn't hard to master. It is worth noting that a refrain and a chorus in a song are not exactly the same thing. Upload unlimited documents and save them online. Here is an example from stanza three, the first time the refrain is used: In this particular stanza, Tennyson provides the reader with their first look at the refrain. The term simply carried the connotation of "country song." Feminine Rhyme Effects & Examples | What is Feminine Rhyme? In a speech or other prose writing, a refrain can refer to any phrase that repeats a number of times within the text. This is done by using a single line recurrently throughout a poetic work, allowing readers to take a pause each time they come upon such repetition. By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore. Instant PDF downloads. Repetition can occur in anything from prose and fiction to an ordinary conversation or a comedy sketch. The poem will be about the art of losing, and how easily the art is learned. Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Another difference is that a refrain in a poem may appear at the end of a stanza; however, this recurrence of words and phrases in repetition may occur in any line of stanza. The part of a refrain that is repeated is called the repetend and refers to a single word that is repeated. This makes it easy to spot the use of refrain from even just a glance! How to Use Refrain in Poetry: Poetry Refrain Guide Written by MasterClass Last updated: Sep 22, 2021 3 min read In various poetic forms, refrain can help an idea stick in your readers mind and give your poem a memorable rhythm. Her refrainwhich later became the name by which her untitled speech is knownis a rhetorical question, repeated to make the point that women are just as capable as men. Aside in Literature: Overview & Examples | What is an Aside in a Play? In poetry, the refrain's purpose has a little more to it. In the excerpt below, Obama repeatedly references Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old black woman from Atlanta who couldn't vote when she was younger because of her gender and race: And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in Americathe heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. The repeated phrase is called a burden. Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle more at frenum, Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere more at refract, 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense, 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1, Pinsky, Rankine, Harjo, and others discuss the words they love. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. succeed. To write your own refrain, think of the ideas you want to express in your poem. Wind carves stone, stone's a cup of water, water escapes and is wind. Refrain in poetry refers to the use of a repeated word, line or phrase in a poem. By using refrain, poets can make their ideas memorable, and draw the attention of the readers toward a certain idea. Stop procrastinating with our smart planner features. Repetition Examples But when I came to mans estate, With hey, ho, the wind and the rain, Gainst knaves and thieves men shut their gate, For the rain it raineth every day. It is repeated in the last two lines. WebShort Examples of Refrain in Poetry. The Brookby Alfred Lord Tennyson is a thirteen-stanzaballadpoem that is separated into sets of four lines, known asquatrains. The refrain is derived from the French word refraindre, which means to repeat. Stop procrastinating with our study reminders. The slight variation, adding the 'too,' makes the refrain stand out because you know something has changed, both in wording and in meaning. It's written in iambic tetrameter. In the example stanza beginning with 'it was many and many a year ago', there are 11 syllables in the first line, followed by the burden 'in a kingdom by the sea' with seven syllables. Nglish: Translation of refrain for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of refrain for Arabic Speakers, Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about refrain. Wilde was therefore an important contributor to the form's rise to prominence. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. 2023. The first and third lines of the first tercet alternate as the last lines of the remaining tercets. The first is the easiest to catch because it also happens to be the title--'Do not go gentle into that good night.' How to Use Refrain in Poetry: Poetry Refrain Guide Written by MasterClass Last updated: Sep 22, 2021 3 min read In various poetic forms, refrain can help an idea stick in your readers mind and give your poem a memorable rhythm. Refrains might consist of a few words or several sentences, depending on the writers intentions. Oscar Wilde was another early adopter of the villanelle. In this excerpt the refrain comes at the beginning of sentences and is repeated with such regularity, making it also an example of anaphora. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. She currently is a practicing pediatric and geriatric nurse. In the 1870s, the English poets Edmund Gosse and Austin Dobson adopted the form, and since that time most villanelles have been written in English. The effect of refrain is that the repetition of a word, line or phrase places emphasis on a chosen idea. It is similar to a phrase we're familiar with at the beginning of a fairytale - 'once upon a time'. Examine the difference between a repetition and a refrain in poetry. The refrain obliquely suggests the couple's difficulties, as well as the fact that they want to make it work anyway, both of which Ja Rule elaborates on during each of the song's verses. like disaster.. And thou, with many a tear and sigh, While life her wasted hands is wringing, Shalt pray in vain for leave to die When golden Autumn hath passed by. As you watch the video of the speech here, notice that the repetition of "Yes we can" invites the audience to participate by repeating the line after he does. I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Prior to the 17th century, the term "villanelle" was used to refer to a style of lyric verse that was similar to a ballad and did not have a fixed form. Is there a building of momentum or drama with each refrain? When a line or phrase recurs in a poem, or a piece of literature, it becomes noticeable to the readers. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Instant PDF downloads. Annabel Lee Edgar Allan. - Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture, the art of losing's not too hard to master, though it may look like (Write it!) And, vaster,some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. Contents [ show] The Definition of Refrain in Poems The word refrain comes from the French word refraindre. Did you spot any refrains? The phrase "Yes we can" has been a longtime motto of Obama's, and while it appears in many of his speeches, he used it most iconically as a refrain in his speech after winning the 2008 election. Perhaps most important, though, the refrain makes the audience feel that they are a part of Obama's victory. A common/familiar refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. It is found in all but the final two stanzas of the poem. Every single person that visits Poem Analysis has helped contribute, so thank you for your support. The use of the word bells so many times is an obvious way of suggesting their constant ringing. Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before. Epithet Examples in Literature | What is an Epithet? The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.. What effect does the burden have on the poem's rhythm? Identify your study strength and weaknesses. When a phrase, line, or word is repeated at regular intervals, the reader notices its placement. The meter of a poem is the rhythm within a specific line, and the syntax is the order of words in the poem to create meaningful images or verbal patterns. Everything you need for your studies in one place. For example, the same line might end every stanza, or the writer might circle back around to a phrase multiple times. The repetition often occurs at the end of a stanza (a standardized grouping of lines) or strophe (a group of lines unrestricted by consistency). Hey ya! In Edgar Allan Poes Annabel Lee (1849), in the second line of most of the stanzas, the author uses the burden In a kingdom by the sea. It is magical, yes, this life that I live Each day it gives something. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. What is the Difference Between Transferred Epithet & Personification? It is usually sung or said by more than one person. Accept the fluster of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. Although villanelles often do use meter, they don't have to use any one type of meter in particular. Refrain is purely a poetic device, and the most important function that a refrain may serve in poetry is to lay emphasis and create rhythm. WebIn poetry, a refrain is something that is repeated in a poem, whether its a single word, a phrase, a line, or a group of lines. The first refrain is: "Do not go gentle into that good night." Identify the line or phrase that is repeated through this extract.