Question

Which of the following identifies the rhyme scheme of the poem “The Debt” by Paul Laurence Dunbar?

Answer 1

A.

ABAB/CDCD/FF
B.

AABB/CCDD/ EEFF
C.

There is no rhyme scheme to this poem because it is free verse.
D.

The rhyme scheme is iambic pentameter.

Answer 2

B

Answer 3

It's B. It is simple couplet rhyming, which is AABB/CCDD/ EEFF.


This is the debt I pay
Just for one riotous day,
Years of regret and grief,
Sorrow without relief.

Pay it I will to the end —
Until the grave, my friend,
Gives me a true release —
Gives me the clasp of peace.

Slight was the thing I bought,
Small was the debt I thought,
Poor was the loan at best —
God! but the interest!

When you look at the poem, you'll observe that the last words of 2 consecutive lines rhyme. Like pay and day. Grief and relief. Pay and day represent AA. Grief and Relief represent BB.

Hope this helps! :)