Question

The poet has used different poetic devices like Alliteration and Interrogation in the poem. Identify them and pick out the lines.

Poetic Device	Lines
(a) Alliteration
(b) Interrogation

Answer 1

Poetic Device - Alliteration
Alliteration (a poetic device where words beginning with consonant sounds repeated for poetic effect)

Lines:

1. This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
2. and then vanish in the throng
3. Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
4. deed you did
5. Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast,
6. Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
7. Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Poetic Device - Interrogation
Interrogation (a poetic device where the poet asks a question, not to obtain an answer, but to emphasise a point)

Lines:

1. Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
2. Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
3. Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
4. Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
5. Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?
6. Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
7. Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast, That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
8. Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
9. Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
10. Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
11. As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say, You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?