Read the following literary passage. Answer Questions:-
No Man is an Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of the friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
What is the name of the poetic device when there is a repetition of words/phrases at the beginning of successive lines?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Anaphora
Anaphora:
- Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines, clauses or sentences.
- It builds rhythm and gives weight to the idea that is repeated.
- In this poem: "As well as if a promontory were. / As well as if a manor of the friend's".
Example: We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Metaphor — Incorrect. A metaphor is a direct comparison without "like" or "as" ("No man is an island" is itself a metaphor), but it has nothing to do with repeating words at the start of lines.
Example: Time is a thief.
Option 2: Simile — Incorrect. A simile is a comparison made with "like" or "as"; it involves no repetition.
Example: She was as brave as a lion.
Option 4: Hyperbole — Incorrect. A hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration for effect; it is not about repetition.
Example: I have told you a million times to shut the door.