Read the poem and answer the question
Sleep, O sleep
With thy Rod of Incantation
Charm my Imagination,
Then, only then, I cease to weep
By thy power,
The virgin, by Time O’ ertaken,
For Years forlorn, forsaken,
Enjoys the happy Hour.
What’s to sleep?
‘Tis a visionary Blessing;
A dream that’s past expressing;
Our utmost Wish possessing;
So may I always keep.
The poem makes use of
- end-stopped lines
- run-on lines
-
rhyme
- metaphor
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
Rhyme refers to the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of lines in poetry. In the given poem, there is a clear use of rhyme scheme, particularly in the second and fourth lines of each stanza. For example:
- "Sleep, O sleep" and "I cease to weep" rhyme.
- "By thy power" and "Enjoys the happy hour" rhyme.
- "What's to sleep?" and "So may I always keep" rhyme.
This consistent pattern of rhyming pairs throughout the poem indicates the use of rhyme as a poetic device.
End-stopped lines are also used in the poem
"Sleep, O sleep" ends with a comma, creating an end-stopped line.
"Charm my Imagination," also ends with a comma, indicating another end-stopped line.
These pauses or stops help to emphasize the completion of a thought or idea within the line itself.
However, it is important to note that rhyme is more dominant than end-stopped lines. The poem's structure relies heavily on rhyme, as evidenced by the consistent rhyme scheme throughout the stanzas. Each stanza follows a rhyme scheme.
On the other hand, while there are some end-stopped lines in the poem (lines that end with punctuation, creating pauses or stops), they are not as prominent or defining as rhyme.