Exploring the Rhyme Scheme of 'The Cold Within': A Literary Analysis

?‘The Cold Within’ is a poignant and thought-provoking poem by Donald Ichord Jr. published in 1966. The poem’s intricate rhyme scheme, proclaimed ABAB in each stanza, is a critical element that contributes to its rhythmic flow and thematic depth. This article delves into the rhyme scheme of 'The Cold Within,' examining how it enhances the poem’s overall structure and message.

Rhyme Scheme Analysis

The poem 'The Cold Within' is structured into eight stanzas, each with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This pattern is not merely a formality but a literary device used to convey the poem’s central themes of human connection and the consequences of selfishness.

To understand the rhyme scheme, we begin by looking at the last word of each line:

abstancen - a olem - b stick - c oldn - b

In the first stanza, the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. This pattern is repeated in a consistent manner throughout the entire poem.

Here's a breakdown of the rhyme scheme in each stanza:

First Stanza

AbstancenIn bleak and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of woodOr so the story's told. AbcoldnIn bleak and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of woodOr so the story's told.

Impact on the Poem

The ABAB rhyme scheme plays several key roles in the poem:

Rhythmic Quality

The consistent rhythm created by this rhyme scheme makes the poem more engaging and easier to read aloud. Each line of one rhyme type leads to the contrasting rhyme type, creating a musical flow that draws the reader into the narrative.

Emphasis on Themes

The repeated ABAB pattern amplifies the themes of the poem. The contrast between the ‘a’ lines and the ‘b’ lines reinforces the dichotomy between connectedness and isolation. This contrast is symbolic of the characters’ relationships and the broader human condition. While the characters enjoy their fire, the shared stick of wood exemplifies the potential for mutual support, a theme that is later overshadowed by their selfishness.

Symbolism and Morality

The rhyme scheme also emphasizes the poem’s moral message about the dangers of selfishness. The final stanza, which breaks from the ABAB pattern, with a cb rhyme scheme, can be seen as a 'turning point' in the story. This shift signifies the consequences of the characters' actions, highlighting how individual selfishness can lead to collective suffering.

Conclusion

‘The Cold Within’ is a powerful poem that utilizes its ABAB rhyme scheme to enhance its thematic depth and emotional resonance. This structural element is not merely decorative but a core part of what makes the poem a poignant reflection on the human condition.

As we reflect on the poem, we are left with a powerful reminder that our actions and choices can have far-reaching consequences, and the warmth of human connection can be our greatest strength.