Question

In at least 200 words, discuss the rhyme and rhythm of “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe. How does Poe’s use of both rhythm and rhyme in that poem affect tone, meaning, and theme?

Answer 1

He uses the rhythm to imitate the sound of a beating heart. This brings on a sense of eeriness and fear. The rhyme is inconsistent and brings with it a sense of anticipation and constant change, leaving the reader wondering what will come next

Answer 2

Rhythm is used as strong sound device by Poe in the Poem 'The Bells'. Each stanza is about different kind of bell, and the rhythm of each stanza represents how the bell rings. For example in the first stanza the "tinkle tinkle" of bells makes the reader read the stanza quickly. Urgency of the alarm bells is felt by the reader. In the second stanza the short line copy the musical quality of weddings bells in a royal wedding.

The rhythm of third stanza leaves the reader breathless. Final stanza represents gloominess and darkness of tolling bell. Combination and repetition of "bells bells bells" lets the reader hearing bells tolling. It is not the tinkling jingle of the sleigh bells or the music of wedding bells or the urgency of the alarm bells. Its slow and ponderous.