Question

What is polyptoton, as seen in the Duke’s repeated use of the word “stoop”?

• A. Repetition of rhyming lines
• B. Repetition of etymologically related words in different forms
• C. Repetition of punctuation
• D. Repetition of character names

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Repetition of etymologically related words in different forms

Polyptoton is a rhetorical device involving the repetition of words derived from the same root, often to emphasize an idea or emotional state. In the poem:

“Even had you skill... Who’d stoop to blame... Never to stoop.”
The Duke repeats “stoop” in different contexts, revealing his arrogant refusal to humble himself and his rage at the Duchess’s behavior, which ultimately led to her murder. This repetition deepens the psychological complexity of the character.