Literature
Exploring Rhyme Scheme, Internal Rhyme, and Refrain in Charlotte Perkins Gilmans An Obstacle
Exploring Rhyme Scheme, Internal Rhyme, and Refrain in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'An Obstacle'
Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the renowned American writer and feminist, penned 'An Obstacle' with a unique blend of poetic forms, such as the ballad stanza, iambic pentameter, and figurations like internal rhyme and refrain. This essay delves into the intricacies of her work, specifically focusing on the rhyme scheme, internal rhyme, and refrain as they appear in 'An Obstacle'.
Understanding the Rhyme Scheme
The poem 'An Obstacle' follows a rhyming pattern that is somewhat different from the conventional ballad stanza structure. Typically, a ballad stanza features alternating lines of four and three beats with rhyming couplets. Yet, 'An Obstacle' presents a more relaxed rhyme scheme, as the tetrameters (four-beat lines) often rhyme in pairs, while the less structured quatrains (three-beat lines) do not rhyme at all. The poem reads fluidly with a dominant seven-beat rhythm, characterized by an iambic tetrameter that occasionally shifts into a more relaxed metric pattern.
Internal Rhyme: A Creative Device
Internal rhyme is a poetic technique where a word or phrase within a line of verse rhymes with another word or phrase in the same line. In 'An Obstacle', Gilman skillfully employs internal rhyme to add depth and resonance to her lines. For example:
“I walk with an intent to make my will,
And the will I make shall be a will quite still.”
Here, the repetition of the 'will' sound creates a subtle yet powerful internal rhyme that reinforces the poem's themes of determination and resolve. This device enhances the auditory experience of reading, making the verse more engaging and memorable.
The Refrain: A Repetitive Element for Impact
Refrain, another recurring motif in 'An Obstacle', is a phrase or line that repeats regularly throughout the poem. In Gilman's work, the refrain often serves to underscore the poem's central message or emotion. One prominent example is the repetition of the phrase 'an obstacle', which introduces and reinforces the thematic core of the poem. This refrain not only holds the structure together but also deeply emphasizes the struggle and resilience depicted in the work. For instance:
“An obstacle that seems beside the way,
And yet must thwart and hold me near the end of day.”
In this excerpt, the refrain 'an obstacle' is reiterated, ensuring a consistent tone of challenge and perseverance.
Conclusion
Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'An Obstacle' presents a beautifully crafted poem that integrates various poetic devices, including a unique rhyme scheme, internal rhyme, and refrain. These elements combine to create a powerful and evocative narrative that resonates with the reader. By understanding and appreciating these techniques, one can gain a deeper insight into the nuances and meanings within Gilman's poetic works.
Keywords: rhyme scheme, internal rhyme, refrain, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, An Obstacle