Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 6 AIL 0548 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Refrain
Captions available
The idea
A refrain is a line or phrase repeated at intervals through a poem, most often at stanza ends. The glossary gives it no headword despite defining forms that depend on it. Ballads and villanelles both use refrains, and a question may ask what the repetition accomplishes.
In practice
A line that returns at intervals.
Where people slip
Ballads and villanelles both need it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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