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The poem Courage That My Mother Had. Read it concentrating on the rhymes. How does sound pattern help to create a tone in and identify tone. Use 2 examples from poem.?

You're asking about the poem "Courage" by Edna St. Vincent Millay, often mistakenly referred to as "Courage That My Mother Had."

Here's how sound patterns, specifically rhyme, contribute to the poem's tone:

1. The End Rhyme Scheme (ABAB):

* Example: "The courage that my mother had / Went with her to the grave; / She lived a life of cheer and laughter, / And faced her death with a smile brave."

* Tone: The alternating rhyme scheme creates a sense of fluidity and natural movement, reflecting the speaker's continuous contemplation of their mother's courage. This flow also mirrors the mother's own life, described as "cheer and laughter."

2. Internal Rhyme:

* Example: "Her laughter in the house did ring, / Her spirit in her eyes did shine..."

* Tone: The internal rhyme ("ring" and "shine") within the lines adds a sense of musicality and lightheartedness, echoing the mother's vibrant spirit. This reinforces the positive and admiring tone the speaker holds towards their mother's character.

Beyond Rhyme:

While the rhyme scheme is significant, the poem's tone is also shaped by other sound devices like:

* Alliteration: "She faced the bitter cold, / And the bitter truth." (The repetition of the "b" sound emphasizes the harshness of the challenges the mother faced, contrasting with her inherent courage.)

* Assonance: "And though she knew that she would never / See the sunrise in the East..." (The repeated "e" sound creates a sense of somberness, foreshadowing the mother's eventual passing.)

Conclusion:

The use of rhyme, coupled with other sound devices, creates a rich and multi-layered tone in "Courage." It moves from the admiration and warmth of the mother's character to a somber reflection on her passing, all while maintaining a respectful and affectionate tone.

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