Analysis of Bécquer's Rhymes II and VII: Themes, Structure, and Poetic Devices

Analysis of Bécquer's Rima II and Rima VII

Rima II

Theme and Structure

Rima II, a poem about poetry itself, explores the theme of uncertainty about fate, revealed in the final stanza. The poem's structure consists of two distinct parts:

• The first four stanzas present a series of images (bolt, leaf, wave, light) identified with the poet.
• The fifth stanza acts as a synthesis, where the poet's voice emerges.

Poetic Devices

• Metaphor: The entire poem is a metaphor, with the poet identifying with elements of nature (wind, water, plants). The third stanza's "wind ruffles" is a metaphor within a metaphor, comparing wind to breaking waves.
• Hyperbaton: Present in the first line of each stanza (disrupted word order).
• Polysyndeton: Use of repeated "and" in the third stanza.
• Personification: "Flickering light does not tremble" in the fourth stanza.
• Hyperbole: "Crossing the world" in the fifth stanza.
• Epithet: "Giant wave" (instead of giant waves) in the third stanza, and "bright light" in the fourth stanza.
• Synesthesia: "A wave does not roll" in the third stanza.

Meter and Rhyme

The poem consists of five stanzas of four eight-syllable verses. Even-numbered lines have assonant rhyme (a), while odd-numbered lines are free. The rhyme scheme is 8-aa.

Rima VII

Theme and Structure

Rima VII, another poem about poetry, explores the theme of poetic genius lying dormant, waiting to be awakened. The poem has two parts:

• The first part describes a forgotten harp (symbolizing art) waiting to be played.
• The final stanza reveals the harp's significance, representing the poet's dormant genius.

Poetic Devices

• Metaphor: "Hand of snow," referring to a woman's hand.
• Hyperbaton: In the first stanza ("of the harp the subject…").
• Personification: The harp, symbolizing art, is described as "silent and dusty" and "sleeping."
• Simile: "Like a bird… like Lazarus…".
• Anaphora: Repetition of phrases in the second and third stanzas.
• Derivation: Variations of "sleep."

Meter and Rhyme

The poem uses ten-syllable and six-syllable verses. Odd-numbered lines are free, while even-numbered lines have assonant rhyme.

Conclusion

Both Rima II and Rima VII are examples of Bécquer's romantic style, reflecting on poetry itself and the nature of poetic genius. Rima VII, in particular, is one of his most famous poems.