Textuality » 3A Interacting
LADY DIAMOND Rhyme scheme ABCB
n° section | Title | Language & devices | Function |
1 | Introduction of the king and Lady Diamond | Repetition of "king" Alliteration of sound "d" Introductive form "there was" | Makes memorization easy Makes memorization easy Creates expectations in the reader |
2 | Introduction of the servant | Alliteration of sound "l" Incremental repetition "she loved him" "Till the grass overgrew the corn" | Makes memorization easy Idea of the length of the love-story Medieval way to measure time |
3 | Lady Diamond is pregnant | High density of sound "W" Description of medieval clothes | Links words Makes the ballad realistic |
4 | The king goes to Lady Diamond | "bower"
| description of the parts of the castle |
5 | The king's doubts | High density of sound "W" "bed-chamber" "apron" | Links words Typical elements of medieval world |
6 | Lady Diamond's confession | High density of sounds "r" "k" | Links words, add sadness and drama |
7 | The king's order | Use of imperatives | Expresses the authority of the king |
8 | The servant is killed | Alliteration of sound "w" (2nd line) "fast" "sure" | Creates atmosphere of tension Short words à add cruelty |
9 | Lady Diamond receives his hearth | Use of colors "white" "golden" | Reminds of death and wealth |
10 | Lady Diamond's reaction | Incremental repetition of exclamations | Adds sadness and drama Expresses the character's pain |
11 | Lady Diamond dies | Use of long vowel sounds | Brakes the rhythm in a crucial moment |
12 | The king's reaction | Use of long vowel sounds | Conveys the king's unbelief |
13 | The king's desperation | Incremental repetition "for..." | List of the causes of his pain |