Final answer:
Repetition in literature is used to emphasize themes and create motifs, as seen in examples like Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech and F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. It enhances the emotional impact and helps readers connect with the core message of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Repetition is a powerful rhetorical device used in literature to emphasize an idea or theme. It can appear in various forms, such as the reiteration of words, phrases, or sentences within a text. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic phrase "I have a dream" serves as a refrain to emphasize his vision for equality.
In literature, authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald use repetition to underscore significant themes or motifs, such as the recurring image of the green light in The Great Gatsby. The effectiveness of repetition relies on how it is woven into the narrative, whether that be closely clustered or spread throughout the text to create a motif that readers can recognize and associate with broader themes.
In the realm of figurative language, repetition plays a vital role by creating contrast and rhythm, enhancing the emotional impact of the text. For instance, Chief Joseph used repetition in his surrender speech to emphasize the suffering of his people during their tragic journey, which is an example of repetition to underscore the gravity of the situation.