Estribillo

Definition

An estribillo is a repeated phrase or chorus in a poem or song, often serving to reinforce the central theme or emotional impact of the work. This technique adds musicality and rhythm to the text, making it memorable and engaging for the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Balada de los dos abuelos', Nicolás Guillén uses the estribillo to highlight the dual heritage and cultural identity of the speaker, emphasizing the importance of both African and Spanish ancestry.
2. The repetitive nature of the estribillo allows for a rhythmic flow in poetry, making it easier for audiences to remember and connect emotionally with the themes presented.
3. In 'El burlador de Sevilla', while not a traditional poem, the play uses repeated phrases that function similarly to an estribillo, reinforcing themes such as deception and morality throughout the narrative.
4. Estribillos can also serve as a form of commentary within the text, guiding readers' interpretations and adding layers of meaning to the work.
5. The use of estribillos creates a sense of unity and cohesion in poetry and songs, binding together different stanzas or scenes under a common theme.

Review Questions

• How does Nicolás Guillén utilize the estribillo in 'Balada de los dos abuelos' to enhance the poem's themes?
  • Nicolás Guillén employs the estribillo in 'Balada de los dos abuelos' as a powerful tool to emphasize the duality of heritage. By repeating specific lines, he reinforces the significance of both African and Spanish ancestors in shaping identity. This repetition not only creates a musical quality but also deepens the emotional impact, allowing readers to feel the weight of this cultural intersection.
• Compare the function of the estribillo in poetry with its similar elements in drama, particularly in 'El burlador de Sevilla'.
  • In poetry, an estribillo serves as a memorable refrain that enhances rhythm and thematic expression, while in drama like 'El burlador de Sevilla', similar repeated phrases function to reinforce key themes and character motivations. Although not traditionally structured like a poem's chorus, these repetitions create emphasis on crucial ideas like deception and consequence. Both forms leverage repetition to engage audiences and underscore critical points within their narratives.
• Evaluate how the use of an estribillo in various literary forms impacts audience engagement and thematic interpretation across works like 'Balada de los dos abuelos' and 'El burlador de Sevilla'.
  • The use of an estribillo across literary forms significantly enhances audience engagement by creating rhythmic patterns that invite participation and memorization. In 'Balada de los dos abuelos', it emphasizes cultural heritage, while in 'El burlador de Sevilla', repeated phrases deepen moral reflections on deception. This technique fosters a connection between the audience and the themes being explored, allowing for a richer interpretation as readers/listeners resonate with the emotional weight conveyed through repetition.

Related terms

Refrain: A refrain is a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song that contributes to its overall structure and meaning.

Rima consonante:

A type of rhyme in which the final consonant sounds of the words match, enhancing the lyrical quality of poetry.

Lírica: A genre of poetry that expresses personal feelings and emotions, often employing musical elements like estribillos.