The Rhetoric of Romantic Obsession

Thomas Hood uses hyperbolic repetition as a deliberate emotional strategy. By repeating 'I love thee' in nearly every stanza, he transforms a simple declaration into a kind of verbal spell.

The poem's structure mirrors emotional intensity: each stanza escalates, moving from internal experience ('vision in the night') to public declaration ('amidst the gay and young'). This isn't just a love poem—it's a performance of romantic devotion.

Linguistic Techniques of Passion

Hood employs several linguistic techniques to amplify emotional impact. The repeated refrain acts like a musical chorus, creating a sense of obsessive, circular emotion.

Notice how the poem moves from abstract ('echo of my heart') to specific sensory details ('bright hazel glance'), demonstrating how love transforms perception. The final line—'Whatever be thy chance'—suggests a love that transcends circumstance.

[[Author:Thomas Hood (1799-1845)

I Love Thee

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

I love thee—I love thee!

'Tis all that I can say;—

It is my vision in the night,

My dreaming in the day;

The very echo of my heart,

The blessing when I pray:

I love thee—I love thee!

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

Is all that I can say.

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

I love thee—I love thee!

Is ever on my tongue;

In all my proudest poesy

Poetic self-awareness

Hood acknowledges his own poetic process, showing love bleeding into his 'proudest poesy'—love as a creative force.

That chorus still is sung;

It is the verdict of my eyes,

Amidst the gay and young:

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

I love thee—I love thee!

A thousand maids among.

I love thee—I love thee!

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

Sensory description

Rare specific physical detail: 'hazel glance' and 'mellow lute' move beyond abstract love into precise visual imagery.

Thy bright hazel glance,

The mellow lute upon those lips,

Whose tender tones entrance;

But most, dear heart of hearts, thy proofs

That still these words enhance,

I love thee—I love thee!

Repetitive declaration

Notice the intentional repetition of 'I love thee' as a rhythmic incantation. This isn't just a phrase, but a musical device.

Whatever be thy chance.

Source Wikipedia Poetry Foundation