Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
By Jane Taylor and Ann Taylor
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.When the blazing sun is gone,
When nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle all the night.Then the traveler in the dark,
Thank you for your tiny spark,
How could he see where to go,
If you did not twinkle so?In the dark blue sky you keep,
Often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveler in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle little star.
Summary of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is arguably one of the most universally recognized poems for children. Originally published as “The Star” in 1806 in Rhymes for the Nursery by Jane and Ann Taylor, it quickly became a beloved lullaby and a foundational piece in early childhood education. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet evocative imagery and gentle rhythm, making it perfect for singing and memorization.
At its heart, the poem expresses a child’s innocent wonder and curiosity about a distant star. The speaker marvels at the star’s brilliance and position “up above the world so high,” comparing it to a shining diamond. The poem also touches upon the star’s role as a guiding light for travelers in the dark, highlighting its helpfulness and reliability. The poem’s cyclical nature, noting the star appears when the sun is gone and disappears with its return, underscores the natural rhythms of day and night.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
While seemingly simple, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a surprisingly effective use of several literary devices that contribute to its enduring appeal. Let’s explore some of the key techniques employed by the Taylor sisters.
- Personification: The poem breathes life into the star by attributing human qualities to it. Consider the line “How I wonder what you are!” This implies the star is a being with a personality and identity, inviting the speaker – and the reader – to contemplate its existence.
- Simile: The comparison of the star to “a diamond in the sky” is a classic example of a simile. The use of “like” establishes a direct comparison, highlighting the star’s brightness and sparkle. This helps young readers visualize the star’s beauty in a relatable way.
- Imagery: The poem is rich in visual imagery, creating vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Phrases like “dark blue sky” and “bright and tiny spark” appeal to the sense of sight, allowing readers to experience the nighttime scene vividly.
- Apostrophe: The poem directly addresses the star, as seen in lines like “How I wonder what you are!” This direct address, known as apostrophe, creates a sense of intimacy and wonder.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, like the short “i” sound in “bright and tiny,” also contributes to the poem’s musicality and enhances its flow.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
- Stanza and Quatrain: The poem is organized into five stanzas, each consisting of four lines a form known as a quatrain. This consistent structure creates a sense of order and predictability, making it easy for young children to follow.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme (star/are, high/sky), where the first two lines of each stanza rhyme, and the second two lines rhyme. This regular rhyme scheme adds to the poem’s musicality and memorability.
- Meter and Rhythm: The poem is written in a predominantly trochaic meter, meaning each line typically begins with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. This creates a gentle, lulling rhythm that is perfect for a lullaby. The consistent rhythm and meter contribute to the poem’s overall soothing effect.
- Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” acts as a refrain, reinforcing the central image and creating a sense of familiarity. The refrain also adds to the poem’s sing song quality.
Quotations for Usage
- To introduce young children to the wonders of the night sky and the concept of stars: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, / How I wonder what you are!”
- To discuss the sun and stars in relation to each other: “When the blazing sun is gone, / When nothing shines upon…”
- To express gratitude for guidance and support:
“Then the traveler in the dark
Thank you for your tiny spark.”