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What are the poetic devices used in the poem Why So Pale and Wan, Fond Lover?

What are the poetic devices used in the poem Why So Pale and Wan, Fond Lover?

1 Answer

    1. Rhetorical Question: A rhetorical question poses a question to make a point rather than eliciting a response. Even though the answer to a rhetorical question is usually evident, the questioner uses it to emphasize a point. This poem’s opening two stanzas are composed entirely of rhetorical inquiries, a decision that serves to make the speaker come out as pleasant, direct, and reasonable.

    “Why so pale and wan, fond lover?”

    The term “fond,” which in this context doesn’t mean “affectionate” but rather “foolish,” indicates the poet’s tone in the question being asked. He is making fun of his friend’s one-sided love and, at the same time, shows concern for his friend, who appears to be sick because of unappreciated feelings.

    2. Alliteration: The term “alliteration” refers to the practice of starting words in a sentence with the same letter or sound.

    ‘Will, when speaking well can’t win her’

    In this line, the words start from ‘w’ in succession.

    3. Repetition: It is a method in which a word or phrase is used repeatedly in a speech or piece of writing. The word ‘quit’ has been repeated twice in the first line of the third stanza to emphasize the point made by the poet.

    Why So Pale and Wan, Fond Lover? Summary

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