Final answer:
Bob Kaufman uses repetition by employing the word 'raga' at the beginning of lines, creating a rhythm and thematic unity in the poem "Unanimity Has Been Achieved, Not a Dot Less for Its Accidentalness." This technique also connects with the musical origins of 'raga' and enhances the sensory experience of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem "Unanimity Has Been Achieved, Not a Dot Less for Its Accidentalness" by Bob Kaufman, the poet employs the figurative language element of repetition. This repetition of the word 'raga' at the beginning of numerous lines serves various purposes including the creation of a rhythm within the poem that echoes the musical and cultural connotations of the term 'raga' itself, which is a complex structure of musical notes used in Indian classical music. The usage of repetition, in this case, is a poetic device that heightens the reader's sensory experience of the poem and creates a thematic coherence across the disparate images it conjures, each prefixed with the repeated term 'raga' to underscore their interconnectedness.
Moreover, repetition also acts as an anchor within the piece, bringing about a sense of unity and structure. It highlights the intensity and variation of the emotional landscape the poet is painting through his words. In the broader context of poetry, rhythm contributes significantly to the overall experience and meaning of the poem, often using stress on specific syllables, meter, and other sound devices such as alliteration and rhyme to enhance the effect.