Internal rhyme (also known as middle rhyme or mesodiérrhôme) is a poetic and literary device that occurs when two words at the middle and the end of a line rhyme with each other. This type of rhyme can only be produced in traditional poetry forms such as couplets, quatrains, and others. In contrast to end-rhyme, where a word at the end of a line rhymes with a word at the end of another line, internal rhyme involves a word from one line and a word from the same line. It is often used in children’s rhyming books, nursery rhymes, and classic poetry.
The concept of internal rhyme has been around since the late 19th century. The use of internal rhyme was popularized by poets such as Walt Whitman and T.S. Eliot, as well as by J.R.R. Tolkien in his works of fantasy. Internal rhyme has been used to heighten the emotional impact of a poem, as well as to provide a lyrical quality that increases the poetic flow.
Internal rhyme is often paired with end rhyme to form a cohesive poem. It is frequently used in conjunction with other traditional poetic forms such as meter, alliteration, and assonance for greater effect. Internal rhyme works to break up the monotony of end rhymes, providing a more varied poetic structure.
When writing with internal rhyme, it is important to remember that the rhyme must be between words from the same line. Using a word from the previous line or from an upcoming line results in what is known as “tail rhyme”, which has a different effect. It is also important to pay attention to syllable stresses when using internal rhyme, as the stress must be consistent throughout the line.
In addition to providing a lyrical quality to a poem, internal rhyme can also serve a narrative purpose. It can be used to draw attention to a line or emphasize a particular point. This is especially true when combined with other poetic devices such as alliteration and assonance. Internal rhyme can also be used as a form of sound symbolism to quickly evoke an emotion.
Overall, internal rhyme is a powerful literary device used to create vivid and emotionally powerful poems. It provides a level of complexity to the poem, allowing the poet to express a deeper and more meaningful message. As with all aspects of writing, internal rhyme should be used selectively and judiciously, as too much can be overwhelming or distracting.
The Different Types of Internal Rhyme
The most common type of internal rhyme is double internal rhyme, also known as pair rhyme. This occurs when two separate internal rhymes are used in a single line. For example, the line “The little lamb with wool so white” contains both a pair rhyme between “lamb” and “white” and a single internal rhyme between “lamb” and “wool”. Triple and quadruple internal rhymes are also possible, although these are less common.
There are also different types of internal rhyme depending on where the words are located in relation to each other. When the words are at the ends of different syllables, it is known as concatenation. This type of internal rhyme is considered the most difficult to construct as it requires a great deal of skill and practice. When the words are at the beginning and end of the same syllable, it is known as assonance. This is the most common type of internal rhyme, as it is simpler to construct and easier to recognize.
Finally, the words used in internal rhyme can be capitalized or uncapitalized. When the words are capitalized at the beginning or end of two or more lines, it is known as hiatal rhyme. Hiatal rhymes are often used to emphasize or draw attention to particular words or phrases in a poem.
Beneficial Effects of Internal Rhyme
The main benefit of internal rhyme is that it can create a more lyrical and meaningful poem. By tying the words and sentences together in a poetic way, it adds a level of complexity to the poem which can make it more engaging and memorable. This type of rhyme can also add an emotional quality to the poem and make it more evocative.
Internal rhyme can also help to create an aural effect. This can result in a more pleasing and sophisticated sound. Additionally, since internal rhyme requires a certain level of skill and practice, it is a great way to demonstrate a poet’s level of mastery. By utilizing internal rhyme, a poet can demonstrate their skill and draw attention to their work.
Finally, internal rhyme can be used to create a sense of unity and structure. By utilizing double and triple internal rhymes when writing a poem, the poet can create a strong sense of cohesion between different parts of the poem. This can help to create a more effective story arc with a clear and powerful message.
Potential Drawbacks of Internal Rhyme
Although internal rhyme can have beneficial effects, it is important to remember that it should be used selectively. If internal rhyme is overused, it can be distracting from the other poetic devices used. It can also make the poem seem overly complicated and cluttered.
It is also important to remember that the internal rhyme must be structured properly. If the internal rhyme does not have the correct syllable stress, tail rhyme, or capitalization, it can detract from the overall poem. Therefore, it is important to practice and carefully construct internal rhyme when writing a poem.
Finally, internal rhyme should not be used to the exclusion of other poetic devices. Although internal rhyme can create powerful effects, it should not be used exclusively. It is important to utilize a variety of poetic devices when writing a poem to keep the work interesting and engaging.
The Role of Internal Rhyme in Poetry
Overall, internal rhyme plays a significant role in poetry. It can add emotional depth and complexity to a poem, making it more evocative and memorable. By utilizing different combinations of internal rhyme, a poet can create a compelling and powerful poem.
Internal rhyme is also a great way for a poet to show off their skill and establish their authority. The use of internal rhyme requires skill and practice, and poets who use it effectively demonstrate that they are well-versed in the craft.
Finally, internal rhyme can be used to add structure and clarity to a poem. By utilizing multiple internal rhymes, a poet can create a narrative flow that makes their poem easier to comprehend and follow.
Using Internal Rhyme in Writing
When using internal rhyme, it is important to remember that it should be used selectively. Overusing internal rhyme can detract from the other poetic devices used, and make the poem seem overly complicated. It is also important to remember that the internal rhyme must be structured properly to be effective.
Finally, internal rhyme should not be used exclusively. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with other poetic devices to create a more effective poem. By utilizing the power of internal rhyme in combination with other tools, poets can create powerful and meaningful works of art.
Conclusion
Internal rhyme is an important tool in the poet’s arsenal. It can be used to add depth, structure, and clarity to a poem, as well as to demonstrate the poet’s skill and authority. However, it is important to use internal rhyme carefully and selectively, as too much can be overwhelming and detract from the overall poem.
