Final answer:
The repetition of 'when' in a poem establishes rhythm, emphasizes themes, and directs readers' engagement with the text. It, along with decisions about line length and structure, contributes to how meaning is conveyed, and attentive, multiple readings are usually necessary to fully appreciate the nuances involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of the word "when" repeated throughout a poem acts as a structural device to create rhythm, establish a motif, or emphasize particular moments or emotions. This repetition can underscore the theme of the poem, engender a sense of urgency, or convey the persistence of memory or experience. As readers, we see patterns emerge that control our reading experience, guiding us through the narrative and impacting how we perceive the unfolding of the poem's message. Moreover, this structural choice often invites readers to consider the significance of each instance of "when," potentially leading to reflections on time, sequence of events, or anticipation of what follows.
In contrast to free verse, which allows a poet to write without constraints, structured repetition, such as the use of "when," can bind the poet to a specific form, creating a tension between what is said and how it is presented. Decisions about line beginnings and endings as well as the length of lines contribute to how the meaning is conveyed. For example, a short line might highlight a particular detail, while a longer line might allow a thought to develop more fully. Poets like Browning and others, as mentioned in comparisons of various poems, use structured rhyme and repetition to enhance the mood and create a sense of cohesiveness within the poem.
Understanding these elements requires attentive reading, often involving multiple readings, to fully appreciate the intricacies of structure and meaning. As a poem unfolds, readers should be open to its music and meaning, allowing the words to resonate and the poem to fully engender its intended feeling or message.