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The pleasure of poetic pattern - David Silverstein

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TEDEd Animation

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Humans are creatures of rhythm and repetition. From our breath to our gait: rhythm is central to our experience, and often brings us pleasure. We can find pleasure in the rhythm of a song, or even the rows of an orchard. Of course, too much repetition can also backfire. David Silverstein describes what poetic repetition is and why it works.

Have you noticed some lines/lyrics are more fun to sing along with than others? Does repetition of sound appear more or less in those lines/lyrics? If so, which kinds of repetition do they use?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator David Silverstein
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Director Avi Ofer
  • Animator Avi Ofer
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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