Question

far as man can see,
comes the rain,
comes the rain with me.
from the rain-mount,
rain-mount far away,
comes the rain,
comes the rain with me.
oer the corn,
oer the corn, tall corn,
comes the rain,
comes the rain with me.
-\song of the rain-chant\

choose the answer that best explains how the repeated words affect the song.

the repeated words stress the connection between the singer and the listeners.
the repeated words put the focus on the most important idea.
the repeated words explain how the singer feels.
the repeated words make the listener want to dance.

Explanation:

Analyze the poem's structure

Using the Poetic Purpose knowledge point
The text is a chant-like poem titled "Song of the Rain-Chant." It contains three stanzas, each ending with the repeated lines:
"Comes the rain,
Comes the rain with me."

Determine the effect of repetition

Using the Poetic Theme Analysis knowledge point
Repetition in a song or chant is primarily used to emphasize and draw focus to the central, most important idea. Here, the arrival of rain is the essential event being celebrated and brought forth by the singer.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1 suggests a connection between singer and listeners, which is not the primary focus of the rain-chant.
• Option 2 correctly states that repetition focuses attention on the most important idea (the coming of the rain).
• Option 3 focuses on the singer's internal feelings, which is secondary to the physical event of the rain.
• Option 4 mentions dancing, which is an external action not directly supported by the text's thematic focus.

Answer:

• The repeated words stress the connection between the singer and the listeners.
• The repeated words put the focus on the most important idea. (Correct answer)
• The repeated words explain how the singer feels.
• The repeated words make the listener want to dance.