Certain words or phrases are repeated in the same line of the poem. For example, 'The gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit'; Find more such repetitions from the poem. What is the poet's purpose of using repetition in the poem?
Other repetitions in the poem include several striking examples across different stanzas.
In Stanza 1, we find: 'Thine is the bounty that prospered our sowing, Thine is the bounty that nurtured our corn.' In Stanza 2: 'Thine is the mercy that cherished our furrows, Thine is the mercy that fostered our grain.' In Stanza 3: 'Thine is the plentiful bosom that feeds us, Thine is the womb where our riches have birth.' Additionally, the phrase 'We praise thee, O Surya/Varuna/Prithvi/Lord' appears in each stanza.
The poet uses repetition to create rhythm and musical quality in the poem. This technique serves to emphasize gratitude and devotion, reinforcing the central theme of thanksgiving.
Repetition also gives the poem a hymn-like quality suitable for group singing during harvest celebrations.
Explanation
Repetition is a key poetic device in 'Harvest Hymn.' The repeated phrases create a chant-like quality appropriate for a hymn sung during harvest festivals. The repetition of 'Thine is the...' emphasizes that all blessings come from the divine, while 'We praise thee, O...' creates a unified structure across all stanzas.
Solution Steps
Identify repetitions: 'Thine is the bounty...' (Stanza 1), 'Thine is the mercy...' (Stanza 2), 'Thine is the plentiful bosom...' (Stanza 3)
Note the repeated phrase 'We praise thee, O...' appearing in each stanza
Explain purpose: repetition creates rhythm and musical quality
Repetition emphasizes gratitude and devotion to the divine
Reinforces the central theme of thanksgiving
Gives the poem a hymn-like quality suitable for group singing during harvest celebrations