Question

In 100 words or less, identify and give an example of at least two sound devices used in Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem, "The Courage That My Mother Had."

Answer 1

One example of a sound device such as rhythm used in "The Courage That My Mother Had" is in this quote "The golden brooch my mother wore..She left behind for me to wear; I have no thing I treasure more: Yet it is something I could spare." This is a simple rhyme scheme. This gives the poem that sing-song effect. Another example of spund devices used in this poem is repetition in the following quote. "Now granite in a granite hill."

Answer 2

Rhyme and rhythm. In the poem, the author employed these two poetic devices to emphasize the musicality of the poem. The rhyme scheme is alternate (abab cdcd efef). The rhyme isn't perfect, but the intention to rhyme is clear. Like the rhyme scheme, the rhythm is also evident although, again, not perfect. Each line has 8 syllables, few have 7. This uniform number of syllables create a steady beat when the lines are read.