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end-line recurrence

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The repetition of words or phrases specifically at line endings, creating emphasis, closure, or pattern; it reinforces themes, builds rhythm, and gives a sense of arrival or insistence at each line's conclusion.

Detailed Definition
End-line recurrence is a structural device where specific words, phrases, or syntactic patterns reappear at the conclusion of multiple lines, creating rhythmic insistence and thematic emphasis; this technique enhances memorability and emotional impact, functioning similarly to refrains but integrated into the lineation itself, as in villanelles or liturgical poetry.
Example
Example in poetry:
In “The Raven,” Poe repeats “Nevermore” at the end of many lines; A poem where each line ends with a variation of “home”; A lyric ending successive lines with “light,” “night,” “sight,” “flight”; A refrain like “—and still I wait” recurring at line endings to build tension.
Additional Notes
End-line recurrence repeats words or phrases at line endings for emphasis or rhythm; it’s a form of anaphora/epistrophe—use to build incantatory power or obsession.
Also Known As
Line-end refrain Terminal repetition Recurrent closure Echoed endings Closing echo End repetition
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