Name the poetic device used in the given line from Andrew Marvell's poem, To His Coy Mistress: "And you should, if you please, refuse."

Correct option is D

The correct answer is Assonance, which refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.

In the line "And you should, if you please, refuse," the repetition of the "oo" sound in "should," "you," and "refuse" creates a sense of harmony and rhythm, making the line more melodic.

This repetition of vowel sounds is a key example of assonance.

Information Booster:

Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) was an English poet, known for his metaphysical poetry.

To His Coy Mistress is one of his most famous works, where he addresses his lover, urging her to seize the moment and overcome her reluctance to be with him.

The poem is often noted for its clever use of persuasive arguments, combining wit and sensuality with philosophical reflection.

To His Coy Mistress:

In this poem, the speaker argues that, if there were enough time, he would woo his mistress in a leisurely manner, praising her beauty and extolling her virtues.

However, he emphasizes the brevity of life and the fleeting nature of youth, urging her to embrace love and physical intimacy before time runs out.

The line “And you should, if you please, refuse” exemplifies his plea, framed with the rhythmic use of assonance, which contributes to the overall smoothness of his persuasive tone.

Additional Knowledge:

Repetition: While there is some repetition in the line, particularly with the words "you" and "if," the dominant poetic device at play is assonance, rather than repetition.

Simile: A simile compares two things using "like" or "as," but there is no comparison being made in this line.

Metaphor: A metaphor implies a comparison between two things without using "like" or "as." While Marvell uses metaphorical language throughout the poem, this particular line does not feature a metaphor.