Question

Use the excerpt from "Birches" by Robert Frost to answer the question.

"When I see birches bend to left and right

Across the lines of straighter darker trees,

I like to think some boy's been swinging them.

But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay."

In 3-5 sentences, write about the author's repetitive use of the "b" sound and its
significance in the excerpt. Use details from the excerpt to support your ideas.

(4 points)

Answer 1

Robert Frost repeats the hard "b" sound in words like "bend," "boy's," "been," and "But," creating a clear alliteration in the lines. This repetition gives the lines a bouncy, percussive rhythm that mirrors the back-and-forth motion of a boy swinging on birches. It also focuses the reader's attention on the physical action and its temporary effect, highlighted by the line "swinging doesn't bend them down to stay." Overall, the "b" sounds reinforce the playful scene and the speaker’s affectionate, nostalgic tone.