What are some examples of repetition in literature?

Answer 1

Some examples of repetition in literature include Edgar Allan Poe's use of the phrase "nevermore" in "The Raven" to create a haunting effect, William Shakespeare's repetition of the word "sleep" in "Macbeth" to symbolize guilt and torment, and the repeated use of "I have a dream" in Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech to emphasize his vision of racial equality.

Answer 2

If you look at Hamlet's opening scene, you'll find that there are repeated (apparently unnecessarily repeated) references to the fact that the ghost has been seen twice before. The first mention of the ghost is at line 24 and is immediately followed by Marcellus saying that Horatio doesn't believe "this dreaded sight twice seen of us." on line 28. Barnardo starts to tell the tale and again speaks of "what we have two nights seen." on line 35. Then the ghost appears, they confront it, it disappears and Horatio is awed by the strange sight. Marcellus then repeats yet again, on lines 68-69, "Thus twice before, and jump at this dead hour,/With marial stalk hath he gone by our watch."

Obviously we don't have to hear over and over that the ghost was seen twice before. Once would be enough. But Shakespeare wanted to make sure that the audience was aware that the ghost did not just show up but had been stalking the parapets for days now. The first reference is by the officer Marcellus, and is a passing reference. The second by the soldier Barnardo, and is the start of an explanation of how the ghost was seen. And the third time was again by Marcellus, as a reaction to this present sighting of the ghost. Each time is different, but the same fact is repeated each time.

Answer 3

Look up 'The Raven' and 'Annabelle Lee' by Edgar Allan Poe.

Answer 4

I'll huff and I'll puff an I'll blow the house down

Answer 5

I am here you know

I can see you clearly

you make me very dreary