In Edgar Allan Poe's poetry, particularly in works like "The Raven," the use of repetition plays a critical role in establishing tone and mood. Repetition in Poe's poetry often enhances the haunting and melancholic atmosphere, serving to immerse the reader in feelings of despair, longing, and hopelessness.
In "The Raven," for instance, the repeated phrase "Nevermore" serves as a powerful refrain that underscores the poem's somber tone. Each time the raven utters this word, it reinforces the finality and despair associated with the loss of the speaker’s beloved Lenore. The first time the speaker hears the response from the raven, it is merely a curious oddity; however, as the poem progresses, the repetition builds a sense of inevitability and deepens the speaker's anguish. For example, after the raven initially responds "Nevermore," the speaker begins to associate this word with all his lost hopes and dreams, culminating in the despairing realization that there is no possibility of reunion with Lenore.
Additionally, the repetition of phrases such as "and the" and "silken, sad, uncertain" throughout the poem creates a musicality that enhances the melancholic mood. These rhythmic patterns draw the reader into the immersive experience of the poem, emphasizing the speaker's emotional turmoil and obsessive longing. The line "And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" exemplifies this lush imagery paired with repetitive cadence that conjures an atmosphere of creeping dread and sorrow.
In "Annabel Lee," repetition also serves to create an elegiac tone. The phrase "In a kingdom by the sea" is repeated multiple times, invoking a sense of nostalgia and lost love. Each recurrence of this line serves to reinforce the idyllic quality of the speaker’s memories, while simultaneously highlighting the distance and heartache.
Through these effective uses of repetition, Poe masterfully shapes the tone and mood of his poems, drawing readers into the depths of human emotion. The cumulative effect of repetition—whether through haunting refrains or melodic patterns—serves to evoke feelings of melancholy, longing, and inevitable despair, characteristic of Poe’s distinctive style.