This poem is odd, This poem is odd, This poem is odd, This poem is odd.

"Edward, Edward"
Edward

This poem has a very specific stucture that is based off of repetition. The book, in its questions, recommends reading the poem without the third and seventh line in every stanza to observe the effect of rhyming on the poem. I did this, and noticed many things. First, when I read the poem the first time, I read the first like in a normal tone, but in its repetition, it was with a condescending, accusatory tone. Also, the fifth line I read normally, but the seventh in an upset, defensive tone. The repetition allowed me to explore my options for the voices of the speakers, and gave me a sure meaning as to how they said what they did. The repetion of "Edward" and "Mother" are also there for a reason- not only does it give the poem a more flowing rhythm, but it helps create the dialogue situation that is occuring. Lastly, "O" has it's purpose as well. For me, it served as a constant vowel that's meaning could be changed according to the speaker and situation. In the last line of the poem, I thought it almost could be read as an ironic, even sarcastic "O". Was the speaker partially blaming his mother for his situation?