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What are the poetic devices used in the poem When I Set out for Lyonnesse?

What are the poetic devices used in the poem When I Set out for Lyonnesse?

1 Answer

  1. Following literary/poetic devices have been used in the poem When I Set Out for Lyonnesse:

    1. Anaphora: It is the repetition of a phrase in a poem. In this poem the beginning two lines of each stanza are repeated. e.g. “When I Set Out for Lyonnesse”, What would bechance at Lyonnesse”, “When I returned from Lyonnesse” etc.
    2. Alliteration: It is the repetition of consonant sound in the line. e.g. What would”, “durst declare”, “magic in my eyes” etc.
    3. Symbolism: The poet uses various symbols in the poem e.g. starlight, which refers to twinkling stars, here symbolises hope. Similarly, magic and radiance in poet’s eyes symbolise love for Emma. Lyonnesse symbolises a place in which the poet goes from darkness and comes back enlightened.

    Read summary of this poem.

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