Does anyone know why?
2007-04-23 06:18:44 · 7 answers · asked by Shaven C 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
This is called contraction in the language and literature that used for shortening the words in order to maintain feet, metre and rhyme in the poem.
2007-04-23 06:28:39 · answer #1 · answered by ED 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The apostrophe signifies a missing letter, in this case 'v' which is omitted for a variety of reasons. It may be to help the timbre or rhythm of the poem. Alternatively it may be to signify a particular type of accent, such as Scottish, where o'er is often said instead of over. It may be trying to add atmosphere to the poem by showing speech from olden times or from the countryside where such speech is normal.
2007-04-23 06:38:48 · answer #2 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the poetic contraction. It makes it a two-syllable word and probably fits into the poem better that way.
2007-04-23 06:27:50 · answer #3 · answered by Peggy Sue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A poem has a rhythm--such as one emphasized syllable, then two softer ones (I don't know the rhythm of the poem you are speaking of, of course). This contraction makes one syllable instead of two, so must better fit in with the poem.
2007-04-23 06:33:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a poetic contraction which makes the line it's in fit with the overall (o'erall??) flow of the poem
2007-04-23 06:23:39 · answer #5 · answered by tracymoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats just style, or a poetic way to balance the rythem.....it means the same.
2007-04-23 06:24:11 · answer #6 · answered by (^_^) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it basically means you pronounce it like the word "ower" which makes it more like saying one syllable instead of two
2007-04-23 08:08:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋