Question

1. you have just read \a litany for survival\ by audre lorde.

how does repetition develop the
theme in this poem?

in your response, make sure to:

• use text evidence to support your

response

• explain the evidence without directly

repeating it

• include reasoning to connect the

evidence to the paragraph’s claim

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze the poem "A Litany for Survival" by Audre Lorde. Repetition in poetry (like refrains) often emphasizes themes. In this poem, repeated phrases (e.g., "we were never meant to survive" and its variations) highlight the struggle for survival and resilience. The repetition reinforces the theme of perseverance in the face of oppression or adversity. For example, the repeated assertion of not being "meant to survive" contrasts with the speaker's and community's survival, underscoring their resistance. By repeating this, Lorde emphasizes the collective struggle and the triumph of surviving despite societal or systemic attempts to suppress them. This repetition creates a rhythmic, insistent tone that mirrors the urgency of the survival theme, making the theme more impactful and memorable.

Answer:

In "A Litany for Survival," repetition develops the theme of resilience and collective survival. The phrase "we were never meant to survive" (and its variations) is repeated, emphasizing the systemic or societal forces that sought to marginalize the speaker’s community. Yet, the repetition of this phrase alongside the speaker’s assertion of survival (implied through the litany’s tone of perseverance) contrasts the supposed "lack of intent" to survive with the reality of their endurance. For instance, the repeated refrain creates a rhythmic urgency, mirroring the struggle to exist against oppression. This repetition reinforces that despite being "never meant to survive," the community persists, highlighting the theme of resilience—turning a narrative of expected defeat into one of defiant survival. The repetition also unites the poem’s verses, creating a collective voice that underscores the shared struggle and triumph of surviving against the odds.