Repetition is an important tool used in literature to create psychological significance. It can be defined as the use of identical or similar elements in a work, such as words, images, ideas, sounds, or patterns, for the purpose of emphasizing or establishing an emotional connection between the text and its audience. By repeating something, writers can draw attention to it, and make readers feel a certain way about it. In this essay, I will discuss how repetition can be used to create psychological significance through three literary techniques: alliteration, rhyme, and parallel structure.
Alliteration refers to the use of repetitive consonant sounds within close proximity of each other.
"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" uses the repeated 'p' sound to create a rhythm that captures the reader's attention and creates a playful tone. Alliteration can also create a sense of unity and cohesion, as when Shakespeare repeats the same sounds throughout his plays. In Macbeth, for instance, he uses "blood" many times to describe the consequences of murder, creating a sense of horror and dread.
Rhyme, on the other hand, refers to the use of sounds that match at the ends of lines, which are usually arranged in stanzas. Poets often use rhyme to add musicality to their writing, but it also serves as a way of making words memorable.
Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem "The Raven" relies heavily on rhymed couplets to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
Parallelism is the technique of using similar grammatical structures to create repetition. This can involve repeating words, phrases, or clauses with slight variations. In the Bible, for example, there are many examples of parallelism where two ideas are presented side by side to create a sense of balance and symmetry.
"Give us this day our daily bread" echoes the idea of "forgive us our trespasses," emphasizing God's provision and human weakness.
Repetition is an effective tool used in literature to create psychological significance through alliteration, rhyme, and parallel structure. By drawing attention to certain elements and creating emotional connections between them, writers can make readers feel something deeply about the text they read.
How does repetition create psychological significance?
Repetition is often used as an effective tool for creating psychological significance by emphasizing or reinforcing important messages or ideas. When something is repeated multiple times, it becomes more memorable and can have a greater impact on the individual's understanding and beliefs. This is especially true when there are strong emotions associated with the message, such as fear or excitement.