Stanzas
This type of bell is described in Stanza 1.
Sleigh/Silver Bells
Stanza 1
Giving a nonhuman object human qualities is called this.
Personification
Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis is called this.
Repetition
In the poem, this word describes the loud, harsh sound of the alarm bells and can also mean “made of brass.”
Brazen
These bells celebrate happiness and marriage in Stanza 2.
Stanza 2
Youth-Prime (Marriage)
Poe describes the bells as if they can communicate and express emotions. This is an example of this device.
Personification
Words such as “tinkle,” “clang,” and “roar” imitate sounds. This is called this.
onomatopoeia
This word means a song or poem expressing sadness or grief, often for someone who has died.
Monody
These bells warn people of danger in Stanza 3.
Alarum/Bronze Bells
Stanza 3
Adulthood (Crisis-Gambling-Debt)
The different bells can represent different stages or experiences of human life. This literary device is called this.
Symbolism
Repetition of beginning consonant sounds in nearby words is called this.
Alliteration
This word means full of sadness or sorrow, which fits the feeling created by the iron bells near the end of the poem.
Mournful
These bells create a dark, serious feeling in Stanza 4.
Iron Bells
Stanza 4
Inevitable old age and death
Silver and golden bells can symbolize these positive parts of life.
youth, happiness, celebration, or love
“Bells, bells, bells” is an example of this sound device.
Repetition
This word means a song or expression of praise, joy, or victory.
Paean
Put the four types of bells in order as they appear in the poem.
Sleigh-Wedding-Alarum-Iron
Describe how the overall tone changes from Stanza 1 to Stanza 4.
From cheerful and joyful to frightening, dark, and mournful.
Iron bells can symbolize this final and darkest stage of human life.
Death
Poe’s repetition and sound words help imitate this throughout the poem.
Ringing/Sounding of the bells
This unusual word refers to the ringing or tinkling sound of bells.
Tintinnabulation