Question

Review the Poem du Jour for 3/16 (posted below). How does Ryan use the aesthetic qualities of language (specifically sound repetition) in this poem AND what effect does this repetition have on the poem?
Why We Must Struggle
Kay Ryan

Answer 1

There is a subtle use of repetition to give the poem a form.

Explanation:

There is a very subtle use of repetition in the poem that does not draw attention to itself but forms the fragmentation of the poem. The repetition that is prominent here is the motif of 'how ' and 'why'.

The two repetitions are questions. This inquisitiveness is the spirit of the poem as the poet again and again approaches questions that allude answers and asks them in immensely powerful ways to justify the theme of the poem.