Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these: (i) On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage. (ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars. What do you think is the effect of this repetition?
The repetition of the word 'quiet' in the phrases "velvet quiet" and "quiet rage" creates a striking contrast. "Velvet quiet" describes the silent, soft steps of the tiger as he paces his cage. In contrast, "quiet rage" refers to his suppressed anger and frustration at being confined. This repetition emphasizes that while his physical movements are silent, his inner turmoil is intense but muted due to his helplessness in the cage.
The repetition of the word 'brilliant' in "brilliant eyes" and "brilliant stars" establishes a poetic connection between the tiger and the night sky. "Brilliant eyes" highlights the shining, sharp eyes of the tiger, while "brilliant stars" describes the bright stars he stares at from his concrete cell. This repetition emphasizes the tiger's majestic nature and reflects his deep longing for freedom, as the vast, open sky contrasts sharply with his confined cage. The stars symbolize the wild world he is separated from.
Explanation
The question asks for the effect of repetition in two specific lines from the poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo'. In the first instance, the repetition of 'quiet' contrasts the physical silence of the tiger's walk with the intense, silent anger within him due to his captivity. In the second instance, the repetition of 'brilliant' connects the tiger's shining eyes to the bright stars, highlighting his majestic nature and his longing for the freedom that the vast sky represents, contrasting with his concrete cell.