Refrain in Literature and Music: Introduction
The refrain in literature and music plays a pivotal role in both realms by virtue of its repetitive and resonant nature. In literature, particularly poetry, a refrain is a deliberate repetition of a line or lines at regular intervals, serving as a structural element that enhances rhythm and underscores thematic significance. Beyond its structural utility, the literary refrain often acts as a mnemonic device, embedding itself in the reader’s or listener’s consciousness. In the realm of music, the refrain finds expression as a recurring musical motif or a repeated section within a song, embodying a melodic and lyrical anchor. Both in literature and music, the refrain’s power lies in its ability to evoke familiarity, emphasize key themes, and contribute to the overall aesthetic cohesion of the work, making it a dynamic and enduring element in artistic expression.
Refrain in Literature: Shakespearean
| Play | Refrain Example | Explanation |
| Macbeth | “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” | This line, spoken by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1, sets the tone for the play. It becomes a refrain, emphasizing the theme of moral ambiguity and the inversion of values. |
| Romeo and Juliet | “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” | Juliet’s expression of love in Act 2, Scene 2 becomes a refrain, conveying the idea that names are inconsequential in the face of true love, serving as a central theme throughout the play. |
| Hamlet | “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” | Hamlet’s famous soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1 contains this refrain, reflecting his contemplation on life’s meaning. The repetition emphasizes the play’s exploration of existential themes. |
| Othello | “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” | Spoken by Othello in Act 5, Scene 2, this line becomes a refrain, intensifying the emotional turmoil as Othello contemplates killing Desdemona, contributing to the tragic climax of the play. |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” | Puck’s observation in Act 3, Scene 2 becomes a refrain, highlighting the play’s comedic elements and emphasizing Puck’s mischievous perspective on the foolishness of human romantic entanglements. |
Refrain in Literature and Music: Examples
- “Hey Jude” by The Beatles:
- Refrain: “Na-na-na, hey Jude.”
- Explanation: The repetition of the “Na-na-na” creates a catchy and memorable refrain in the song. It serves as a unifying and uplifting element, inviting listeners to join in and sing along. The refrain is an essential part of the song’s structure and contributes to its overall anthemic feel.
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson:
- Refrain: “Billie Jean is not my lover.”
- Explanation: The refrain is a key element in this song, emphasizing the denial of the protagonist’s relationship with Billie Jean. Its repetition adds a rhythmic and memorable quality to the chorus, making it a central and recognizable part of the song.
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston:
- Refrain: “And I will always love you.”
- Explanation: Whitney Houston’s powerful refrain in the chorus expresses the enduring nature of love. The repetition of this heartfelt line contributes to the emotional impact of the song, making it a poignant and memorable refrain that resonates with listeners.
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele:
- Refrain: “We could have had it all.”
- Explanation: The refrain in Adele’s song serves as a lamentation for lost love. The repetition of “We could have had it all” emphasizes the sense of regret and longing, making it a central theme and a memorable component of the song’s chorus.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams:
- Refrain: “Because I’m happy.”
- Explanation: The repetition of the refrain “Because I’m happy” reinforces the joyful and upbeat message of the song. It serves as a celebratory element that listeners can easily connect with, contributing to the overall positive and infectious vibe of the track.
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen:
- Refrain: “So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?”
- Explanation: In this iconic song, the refrain is a pivotal part of the operatic structure. The repetition of this line adds a dramatic and intense quality to the song, serving as a climactic and memorable moment within the larger composition.
In each example, the refrain is a repeated phrase or line within the song that often appears in the chorus. It serves to reinforce the central theme, create a memorable hook, and enhance the overall structure and impact of the music.
Refrain in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
| Literary Theory | Relevance of Refrains |
| Structuralism | Refrains can be seen as recurring patterns within the structure of a text, contributing to its overall organization. Structuralists analyze these patterns to understand how they shape meaning and the narrative. |
| Formalism | Formalists focus on the intrinsic elements of a text. Refrains, as repeated linguistic elements, are examined for their formal qualities, such as rhythm, sound patterns, and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic experience. |
| Reader-Response Theory | Refrains engage readers by providing recurring points of interest. Reader-response theorists explore how readers interpret and respond to these repetitions, considering the emotional and cognitive impact of refrains. |
| Feminist Criticism | In feminist criticism, refrains may be analyzed for gendered perspectives or language. Examining how refrains depict or challenge gender roles contributes to discussions on representation and power dynamics. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Refrains can be examined for cultural significance and how they reflect or resist colonial influences. Postcolonial theorists may explore how refrains contribute to the expression of identity and resistance to hegemonic forces. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Psychoanalytic critics might analyze refrains as recurring motifs that reveal subconscious themes or desires within a character or the collective psyche of a society portrayed in the literature. |
| Marxist Criticism | Refrains may be explored in terms of social class, power, and ideology. Marxist critics examine how refrains contribute to or challenge prevailing social structures and economic relations depicted in the text. |
| Deconstruction | Deconstructionists may focus on the linguistic instability of refrains. They might explore how refrains disrupt fixed meanings, opening up possibilities for multiple interpretations and highlighting linguistic ambiguities. |
| Postmodernism | In postmodern literature, refrains can be seen as intertextual references or playful repetitions that question traditional narrative structures. Postmodernists analyze how refrains contribute to the deconstruction of established norms. |
The relevance of refrains in literature can vary based on the theoretical framework employed, showcasing their adaptability to different analytical perspectives.
Refrain in Literature: Relevant Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Refrain | A repeated line, phrase, or stanza in a poem or song. |
| Chorus | A repeated section in a song or play, often sung by a group. |
| Motif | A recurring theme, idea, or symbol in a literary work. |
| Stanza | A group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem. |
| Rhythm | The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse. |
| Parallelism | The repetition of similar grammatical structures or ideas. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. |
| Epistrophe | The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. |
| Connotation | The emotional or cultural associations of a word beyond its literal meaning. |
| Lyrical | Expressing personal emotions or feelings, often in a song-like style. |
Refrain in Literature: Suggested Readings
- Addonizio, Kim, and Dorianne Laux. The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry. W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.
- Fry, Stephen. The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within. Arrow Books, 2007.
- Peterik, Jim, Cathy Lynn, and Dave Austin. Songwriting for Dummies. For Dummies, 2010.