Why does Langston Hughes repeat the line, "I've known rivers," in the Poetry "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
http://www.google.com/search?q=rivers+africa+america&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGGL_en___US357
Think of those who were captured and enslaved in Africa. Where did most of them live? Then think of their journey across the sea. Then think of their life on the plantations.
What rivers???
In Langston Hughes' poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," he repeats the line "I've known rivers" to emphasize the speaker's deep connection to and long-standing relationship with rivers. The repetition serves multiple purposes in this poem.
1. Emphasizing the speaker's heritage and history: By repeating "I've known rivers," Hughes suggests that the speaker's experiences with rivers are not a passing or superficial encounter but rather an integral part of their identity. Through this repetition, the poem highlights the rich cultural heritage and historical background of African Americans.
2. Celestial connection: The repetition of "I've known rivers" also serves to draw a connection between earthly rivers and timeless rivers, symbolizing the speaker's link to the ancient and eternal aspects of life. By repeating the phrase, Hughes implies that the speaker's experiences transcend time and are rooted in a deep-rooted connection to the past.
3. Rhythm and musicality: Poetry is often celebrated for its musical qualities, and by repeating the line "I've known rivers," Hughes creates a rhythmic pattern that adds to the overall musicality of the poem. The repetition contributes to the flow and musicality of the verses and enhances the poem's impact when read aloud.
To truly understand the significance of Hughes' repetition in "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," it is important to read and analyze the entire poem, considering its themes, imagery, and historical context. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how repetition functions within the poem as a whole.