Here is The Brook, a detailed exploration and explanation of the figure of speech and its many facets. In this post, we have explained various examples of figurative speech, providing a comprehensive understanding of The Brook in terms of all Poetic Device. We have also told the reason why a particular figure of speech occurs in a particular line. This is going to help the children of various classes Class IX. Dive in for figure of speech examples-
Table of Contents
Figure of Speech in The Brook Stanza 1
I come from haunts of coot and hern,
I make a sudden sally
And sparkle out among the fern,
To bicker down a valley.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “I come from haunts of coot and hern,” and “I make a sudden sally”
Reason: The brook is personified, described as performing actions typically attributed to living beings, suggesting deliberate and playful actions.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “I come from haunts of coot and hern,” and “I make a sudden sally”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘c’ sound in “coot” and “come” and the ‘s’ sound in “sudden sally” creates a musical rhythm, emphasizing the flowing nature of the brook’s movement.
3. Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “To bicker down a valley.”
Reason: The word “bicker” mimics the sound of water flowing or babbling down a valley, creating an auditory image that enhances the sensory experience of the poem.
4. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “And sparkle out among the fern,”
Reason: This line creates a vivid visual image of light reflecting off the water as it moves through the ferns, enhancing the picturesque quality of the scene.
5. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Line: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses contributes to the flowing movement of the poem, mirroring the movement of a brook.
Also Read:
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 2
By thirty hills I hurry down,
Or slip between the ridges,
By twenty thorpes, a little town,
And half a hundred bridges.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “By thirty hills I hurry down.”
Reason: The brook is personified through the use of ‘hurry,’ which attributes human-like movement to the brook. This personification suggests speed and purpose in the brook’s movement, akin to a living being.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “By thirty hills I hurry down,” “By twenty thorpes, a little town,” and “And half a hundred bridges.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘h’ sound in “hills” and “hurry,” the ‘t’ sound in “twenty thorpes,” and the ‘b’ sound in “bridges” creates a musical rhythm. This alliteration emphasizes the continuous flow and varied journey of the brook, enhancing the lyrical quality of the poem.
3. Figure of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: “Or slip between the ridges,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘i’ sound in “slip” and “ridges” is an example of assonance, which adds a soft and fluid sound to the line, mirroring the gentle movement of the brook.
4. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “And half a hundred bridges.”
Reason: The phrase “half a hundred bridges” is an exaggeration to emphasize the vast number of bridges the brook crosses, enhancing the sense of the brook’s long journey.
5. Figure of Speech: Imager
Exact Line: “By twenty thorpes, a little town,”
Reason: This line creates a vivid image of the brook’s journey past small villages and towns, contributing to the scenic and picturesque quality of the poem.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses contributes to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s continuous journey.
Figures of Speech Poem The Brook Stanza- 3
Till last by Philip’s farm I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “Till last by Philip’s farm I flow,” and “But I go on forever.”
Reason: The brook is personified, as it is described as flowing past a specific location and continuing indefinitely. This gives the brook human-like characteristics of purposeful movement and perpetual existence.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “Till last by Philip’s farm I flow,” and “For men may come and men may go.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘f’ sound in “farm” and “flow,” and the ‘m’ sound in “men,” “may,” and “men” creates a rhythmic effect. This alliteration emphasizes the lyrical quality of the poem and the idea of continuous movement.
3- Figures of Speech: Contrast
Exact Lines: “For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever.”
Reason: This contrast highlights the theme of the transient nature of humans versus the eternal flow of nature, emphasizing nature’s enduring presence.
4- Figures of Speech: Repetition
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of this phrase underscores the cyclic and ephemeral nature of human existence.
5- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “To join the brimming river,”
Reason: This line creates a vivid image of the brook joining a larger, full river, symbolizing unity and the journey of life.
6. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “But I go on for ever.”
Reason: The phrase “I go on forever” is an exaggeration, emphasizing the perpetual and unending nature of the brook. It serves to highlight the contrast between the ephemeral existence of humans and the eternal flow of nature.
7. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, particularly between “To join the brimming river,” and “For men may come and men may go,” adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the ongoing journey of the brook.
8. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “To join the brimming river,”
Reason: The joining of the brook with the river symbolizes the journey towards a larger, more significant existence or the merging of the individual with the collective, a common theme in literature.
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 4
I chatter over stony ways,
In little sharps and trebles,
I bubble into eddying bays,
I babble on the pebbles.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “I chatter over stony ways,” “I bubble into eddying bays,” and “I babble on the pebbles.”
Reason: The brook is personified through actions like ‘chatter,’ ‘bubble,’ and ‘babble,’ typically associated with human activities, giving the brook qualities of communication and expression.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “I bubble into eddying bays.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘b’ sound in “bubble” and “bays” creates a rhythmic and musical effect, emphasizing the brook’s playful and lively nature.
3- Figures of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Lines: “I chatter,” “I bubble,” and “I babble”
Reason: These words mimic the sounds of a brook flowing over stones and through bays, enhancing the auditory imagery.
4- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery describes the brook’s journey, creating a dynamic sensory picture.
5. Figure of Speech: Consonance
Exact Line: “I babble on the pebbles.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘b’ sound in “babble” and “pebbles” is consonance, adding to the musical and rhythmic effect of the line.
Figures of Speech Poem – The Brook Stanza- 5
With many a curve my banks I fret
By many a field and fallow,
And many a fairy foreland set
With willow-weed and mallow.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “With many a curve my banks I fret”
Reason: The brook is personified as it is described as ‘fretting’ its banks, a human-like action suggesting worry or agitation.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “By many a field and fallow,” and “And many a fairy foreland set With willow-weed and mallow.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘f’ sound in “field” and “fallow,” and the ‘w’ sound in “willow-weed” and “mallow” creates a musical rhythm, enhancing the lyrical quality of the poem.
3- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery describes the brook’s surroundings – fields, fallow land, forelands, willow-weed, and mallow – creating a picturesque and serene landscape.
4- Figures of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: “And many a fairy foreland set”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘a’ sound in “many” and “fairy” and the ‘e’ sound in “foreland” and “set” contributes to the harmony and rhythm of the line.
5. Figure of Speech: Consonance
Exact Line: “With willow-weed and mallow.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “willow-weed” and ‘m’ sound in “mallow” is consonance, adding a subtle echoing effect that enhances the musical quality of the line.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, particularly between “With many a curve my banks I fret” and “By many a field and fallow,” contributes to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s meandering journey.
7. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “With many a curve my banks I fret”
Reason: The phrase “my banks I fret” might be seen as a hyperbole, exaggerating the impact of the brook on its banks to emphasize its continuous and active shaping of the landscape.
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 6
I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “I chatter, chatter, as I flow,” and “But I go on forever.”
Reason: The brook is personified, described as ‘chattering’ and ‘flowing,’ and asserting its perpetual existence, giving it human-like qualities.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘m’ sound in “men,” “may,” and “men” creates a rhythmic effect, enhancing the musical quality of the verse.
3- Figures of Speech: Repetition
Exact Lines: “I chatter, chatter,” and “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of these phrases emphasizes the continuous nature of the brook and the cyclical nature of human existence.
4- Figures of Speech: Contrast
Exact Lines: “For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever.”
Reason: This line contrasts the transient nature of human life with the perpetual flow of the brook, emphasizing nature’s enduring presence.
5– Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “To join the brimming river,”
Reason: This line creates a visual image of the brook joining a larger, full river, symbolizing unity and continuity.
Figures of Speech Poem – The Brook Stanza- 7
I wind about, and in and out,
With here a blossom sailing,
And here and there a lusty trout,
And here and there a grayling,
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “I wind about, and in and out,”
Reason: The brook is personified, as it is described as winding about, suggesting deliberate and human-like movement.
2- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery describes the brook’s interactions with nature, including blossoms, trout, and grayling, creating a dynamic natural scene.
3.Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “And here and there a lusty trout, And here and there a grayling.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘h’ sound creates a rhythmic effect, adding to the stanza’s musical quality.
4. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “But I go on forever.”
Reason: The phrase “I go on forever” is an exaggeration to emphasize the continuous and unending nature of the brook, contrasting with the temporary presence of humans.
5. Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “I chatter, chatter,”
Reason: The word “chatter” mimics the sound of the brook flowing, enhancing the auditory imagery of the poem and making the description more vivid and lively.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, especially between “I chatter, chatter, as I flow” and “To join the brimming river,” contributes to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the continuous motion of the brook.
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 8
And here and there a foamy flake
Upon me, as I travel
With many a silvery waterbreak
Above the golden gravel,
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “Upon me, as I travel”
Reason: The brook is personified through the phrase ‘as I travel,’ suggesting a purposeful, human-like journey.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “And here and there a foamy flake” and “Above the golden gravel.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘f’ sound in ‘foamy flake’ and the ‘g’ sound in ‘golden gravel’ creates a musical effect, enhancing the poem’s lyrical quality.
3- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery describes the brook’s appearance and journey, creating a picturesque and dynamic scene.
4- Figures of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: “Above the golden gravel,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘o’ sound in ‘golden’ and ‘gravel’ contributes to the auditory rhythm of the line.
5. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “With many a silvery waterbreak”
Reason: Describing the waterbreaks as ‘silvery’ might be seen as an exaggeration, emphasizing the beauty and sparkling quality of the water, typical of hyperbole.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, especially between “Upon me, as I travel” and “With many a silvery waterbreak,” contributes to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s continuous journey.
Figures of Speech Poem – The Brook Stanza- 9
And draw them all along, and flow
To join the brimming river
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “But I go on for ever.”
Reason: The brook is personified with the phrase ‘I go on for ever,’ suggesting a continuous, purposeful existence akin to that of a living being.
2. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘m’ sound in ‘men,’ ‘may,’ and ‘men’ creates a rhythmic effect, enhancing the musical quality of the verse.
3. Figure of Speech: Repetition
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the continuous nature of the brook contrasted with the transient nature of human life.
4. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “But I go on for ever.”
Reason: This phrase exaggerates the perpetual existence of the brook, emphasizing its unending nature as opposed to the temporary existence of humans.
5. Figure of Speech: Contrast
Exact Lines: “For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever.”
Reason: This line contrasts the transient nature of human life with the enduring, everlasting flow of the brook.
6. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “To join the brimming river,”
Reason: This line creates a visual image of the brook joining a larger river, symbolizing unity, continuity, and the greater journey of life.
7. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s continuous journey.
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 10
I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers;
I move the sweet forget-me-nots
That grow for happy lovers.
1.Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “I steal by lawns and grassy plots,” “I slide by hazel covers,” and “I move the sweet forget-me-nots.”
Reason: The brook is personified through actions such as ‘steal,’ ‘slide,’ and ‘move.’ These verbs give the brook human-like qualities, suggesting a gentle, surreptitious movement through the landscape.
2. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery is used to describe the brook’s journey through lawns, hazel covers, and amongst forget-me-nots, creating a picturesque and serene landscape.
3. Figure of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: “I move the sweet forget-me-nots”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘e’ sound in ‘sweet’ and ‘forget-me-nots’ contributes to the harmony and softness of the line.
4. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s fluid and continuous journey.
5. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “That grow for happy lovers.”
Reason: Forget-me-nots are often symbolically associated with love and remembrance, adding a layer of meaning to the brook’s interaction with these flowers.
Figures of Speech Poem – The Brook Stanza- 11
I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,
Among my skimming swallows;
I make the netted sunbeam dance
Against my sandy shallows.
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,” “Among my skimming swallows,” and “I make the netted sunbeam dance Against my sandy shallows.”
Reason: The brook is personified through actions like ‘slip,’ ‘slide,’ ‘gloom,’ ‘glance,’ and ‘make.’ These verbs lend human-like qualities to the brook, suggesting conscious and active interaction with its surroundings.
2- Figures of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “I slip, I slide,” “I gloom, I glance,” and “Among my skimming swallows.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in ‘slip,’ ‘slide,’ and ‘skimming swallows,’ and the ‘g’ sound in ‘gloom’ and ‘glance,’ creates a musical rhythm, enhancing the lyrical quality of the poem.
3- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery describes the brook’s interactions with its surroundings, creating a lively and picturesque scene.
4. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “I make the netted sunbeam dance Against my sandy shallows.”
Reason: The ‘netted sunbeam’ symbolizes the interplay of light and water, representing the transient and beautiful moments in nature.
5. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “I make the netted sunbeam dance”
Reason: This phrase exaggerates the brook’s influence on sunlight, personifying the sunbeam to emphasize the magical, lively quality of the scene.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s dynamic and uninterrupted movement.
The Brook Poetic Device Stanza- 12
I murmur under moon and stars
In brambly wildernesses;
I linger by my shingly bars;
I loiter round my cresses;
1- Figures of Speech: Personification
Exact Lines: “I murmur under moon and stars,” “I linger by my shingly bars,” and “I loiter round my cresses.”
Reason: The brook is personified through actions like ‘murmur,’ ‘linger,’ and ‘loiter.’ These verbs give the brook human-like qualities, suggesting a gentle, reflective presence in nature.
2- Figures of Speech: Imagery
Exact Lines: The entire stanza
Reason: Vivid imagery is used to describe the brook’s surroundings and actions, creating a picturesque and serene natural scene.
3. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Lines: “I murmur under moon and stars,” “In brambly wildernesses;” “I loiter round my cresses.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘m’ sound in ‘murmur,’ ‘moon,’ and ‘my,’ and the ‘r’ sound in ’round’ and ‘cresses,’ creates a musical rhythm, enhancing the lyrical quality of the poem.
4. Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “I murmur under moon and stars,”
Reason: The word ‘murmur’ mimics the soft, continuous sound of the brook, enhancing the auditory imagery of its gentle flow.
5. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s unhurried and meandering journey.
6. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “In brambly wildernesses;”
Reason: The ‘brambly wildernesses’ symbolize untamed, natural beauty and the complexities of nature, representing the brook’s journey through varied and wild landscapes.
7. Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “I loiter round my cresses.”
Reason: The use of the word ‘loiter’ to describe the brook’s movement attributes a human-like action to the brook. This personification suggests a leisurely, aimless movement, typically associated with humans, thereby lending human qualities to the natural flow of the brook.
Figures of Speech Poem – The Brook Stanza- 13
And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.
1- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “And out again I curve and flow”
Reason: The brook is given human-like qualities, such as the ability to curve and flow. This personification creates a vivid image of the brook’s movement and characterizes it as a living entity.
2- Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “To join the brimming river”
Reason: The brook’s joining of the river symbolizes the journey of life and the merging of individual paths into a larger, collective existence. It represents the continuity of nature and the cycle of life.
3- Figure of Speech: Contrast
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go, / But I go on for ever.”
Reason: There is a clear contrast between the transient nature of human existence and the perpetual flow of the brook. This contrast highlights the theme of the enduring presence of nature versus the fleeting nature of human life.
4- Figure of Speech: Refrain
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go, / But I go on for ever.”
Reason: This line is a refrain that is repeated throughout the poem. The repetition emphasizes the poem’s central theme of the enduring flow of nature compared to the temporary nature of human existence.
5. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “For men may come and men may go,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘m’ sound in ‘men,’ ‘may,’ and ‘men’ creates a rhythmic effect, enhancing the musical quality of the verse and emphasizing the cyclical nature of human existence.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, especially between “And out again I curve and flow” and “To join the brimming river,” adds to the flowing movement of the poem, reflecting the brook’s continuous and unending journey.
7. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “But I go on for ever.”
Reason: This phrase exaggerates the unending nature of the brook, emphasizing its continuous and eternal flow, as opposed to the temporary existence of humans.
8. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “And out again I curve and flow”
Reason: This line creates a vivid visual image of the brook curving and flowing dynamically, enhancing the reader’s sensory experience of the poem.