Definition
Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech that uses words to imitate a sound or the sound of something. It is most commonly used in literature, poetry and comic books and is derived from the Greek words onomatopoeia meaning ‘name’ or ‘word’, and poiein meaning ‘to make’. This creative technique enables authors to draw the reader further into their writing and evoke an emotional response from them with words that actually sound like the thing they are describing.
Examples in Poetry
Onomatopoeia is often used in poetry to enhance the reader’s experience and reinforce particular images with the power of sound. For example, in the poem ‘The Lion’ by John Dryden, the narrator describes the characters in the story with words that sound like the noise the animals are making: ‘He roared, he shook his sable wings,/ He glanced his angry eyes’. Similarly, in ‘The Brook’ by William Wordsworth, the narrator is describing a babbling brook: ‘And when it reaches the valley’s Vest,/ Ah! then what pleasure to the sighing breast,/ To hear the brook, the grass, the flowers,/ Pouring all their tranquil hours’. By using onomatopoeia, the poet brings to life the setting while providing a pleasant and melodic atmosphere.
Importance in Poetry
Onomatopoeia is an important tool for poets as it helps to create an atmosphere, portray a mood and capture the reader’s imagination. It can also be used to add emphasis to powerful words, such as in Shelley’s poem ‘Ozymandias’: ‘My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;/ Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ In this instance, the use of onomatopoeia helps to emphasize the power and arrogance of the narrator. Furthermore, onomatopoeia can be used to give the reader a more detailed description of a scene or to illustrate movements. For example, in Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’, the narrator describes a sailor experiencing a storm with words such as ‘livid lightning’ and ‘howl and hiss’, which add to the vivid imagery of the poem.
Effect of Onomatopoeia
The use of onomatopoeia in poetry can be used to great effect and has a powerful impact on how readers interpret the poem. By exploiting the full range of linguistic devices and literary techniques available to a poet, even the simplest of words can be used to evoke powerful emotions and images. Onomatopoeia can be used to create a sense of surprise, tension and drama and is a great way to convey the feelings of the narrator. Of course, there are limits to how much onomatopoeia can be used, as using too much can make a poem sound gimmicky or contrived. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance to make onomatopoeia work to its fullest potential in poetry.
Modern Usage
Onomatopoeia is still used in modern poetry to great effect and is no longer seen as a dated literary technique. In particular, sound effects are used in rap and hip hop lyrics to create rhythmic and melodic patterns that capture the attention of the listener. Similarly, sound effects may be used to emphasize certain words or to make vivid descriptions of everyday objects and scenes. For example, in Kanye West’s song ‘All Falls Down’, he uses sound effects to emphasize the lyrics: ‘And if you want drama, then/ that’s what you’ll get/ Booberry bibble bibble bibble boop bop/ I’m gonna show you what it’s gonna do’.
Teaching Children
The use of onomatopoeia in poetry can be a great teaching tool for young children. Not only does it help them understand the power of sound in literature, but it can also be used to enhance their writing skills. By encouraging children to find their own creative and unique ways to use sound in their poems, they can gain an appreciation for the art of poetic writing. Furthermore, teaching children to use the technique in their own work can help to further develop their understanding of language, as well as allowing them to explore the power of sound in words.
In Summary
Onomatopoeia is a powerful tool in literature and poetry that can be used to evoke powerful emotions and imagery. By using words that imitate or sound like the object they are describing, poets are able to bring their stories to life and convey vivid descriptions of their settings. The use of onomatopoeia can be found in many different forms of poetry, from traditional works to modern rap and hip hop lyrics. It is also an important teaching tool for young children, as it can help them to understand the power of sound in words and can be used to enhance their own writing skills.
Social Significance
Recently, onomatopoeia has been used to communicate social issues and themes. Its ability to convey powerful emotions and evoke vivid images in the reader can be used to draw attention to important topics, such as poverty and racism, in a way that engages the audience and captures their attention. For example, poems such as ‘A Cry For Help’ by Sherman Alexie and ‘Ain’t I a Woman’ by Sojourner Truth use onomatopoeia to emphasize the plight of women and minorities and to draw attention to the struggles they still face today. This type of poetry has the potential to challenge existing social norms and create positive change by encouraging the reader to think critically about the issues presented.
Implications
The use of onomatopoeia in poetry has far-reaching implications in literature and society. Not only does it enable poets to create engaging stories and vividly portray their settings, but it can also be used to draw attention to important social issues. By exploiting the emotive power of words, poets can call attention to the struggles that many face today and challenge existing norms with the power of sound. This makes onomatopoeia an invaluable tool in the writer’s arsenal and one that will continue to be used in literature for many years to come.
