For example, the title of the rhyme “Hickory, dickory, dock” appears at the beginning and the end of this short rhyme. This occurs only when the entire phrase is repeated exactly. Refrain: occurs when the poet repeats the same phrase more than once.For example, “dickory” and “dock” or “down” and “dock.” Alliteration: occurs when the writer repeats the same consonant sound at the beginning of multiple words.

For example, the use of “clock” more than once as well as the use of a refrain.

Repetition: can be seen when the poet repeats the same words, phrases, images, ideas, or structures.

Throughout ‘Hickory, dickory, dock,’ readers can find several examples of literary devices, despite their brevity. Rhymes also make these poems easier to remember and can help solidify them within the history of this kind of song/poem. Or for those who are hearing the lines read out loud.

More rhymes usually make the poem more interesting to readers, especially the young readers. This is a common feature in nursery rhymes. In this particular version, the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme, as do the third and fourth. There are several iterations of this rhyme, but the most common is used below. ‘Hickory, dickory, dock’ is a short, five-line nursery rhyme that is contained within a single stanza of text. There are very few details in the song, allowing readers to make up whatever story they want to go along with it. Like most nursery rhymes, there are a couple of variations. The lines in between describe a mouse running up the clock and down again once it strikes one. This is an example of a refrain, one that allows the reader to start the poem over from the beginning if they want to. The first and last lines of this poem are the same. ‘Hickory, dickory, dock’ is a short nursery rhyme about a mouse who runs up a clock.

Hickory dickory dock clock