Listen to the recording of the poem "Barbara Frietchie” and think about how it sounds. Then, answer the question.



You can listen to the poem here.

(Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)

Why are rhyming couplets an effective way to tell this Civil War story?

They make the poem seem active by connecting lines through sound.
They make the poem interesting because each line has its own idea and its own action.
They make the poem lively because they contain conflicts.

1 answer

Rhyming couplets are an effective way to tell the story of "Barbara Frietchie" because they make the poem seem active by connecting lines through sound. This auditory connection creates a rhythmic flow that enhances the storytelling, making it more engaging for the listener. The couplets also contribute to the memorable nature of the poem, encapsulating key ideas and actions in a way that is both structured and dynamic. Overall, the use of rhyming couplets helps to convey the intensity and emotion of the Civil War story while also enhancing its musical quality.