What is Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within a phrase or sentence. It creates a musical and pleasing effect when used correctly. It is considered a sound device rather than a poetic device and often helps the reader follow a poem’s rhyme and rhythm. Assonance is most commonly found in poetry, but it is also used in other forms of writing such as novels, speeches, advertising and song lyrics.
Types of Assonance
Assonance can be divided into two types. There is vowel assonance, which is the repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words. This could be any vowel from ‘a’ to ‘u’, for example ‘sad’ and ‘mad’. Then there is consonant assonance – the repetition of a consonant sound either within or at the end of two or more words. This could be any consonant such as ‘l’ in the words ‘bell’ and ‘well’.
The Role of Assonance in Poetry
Assonance is often used in poetry to emphasize the flow of rhythms and to create a sense of unity within the poem. By repeating certain sounds, the poet is able to accentuate the meaning and feeling of the poem and make it more powerful. For example, in John Keats’ ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, Keats uses the ‘long e’ sound throughout the poem which creates a lyrical mood and draws the reader into a dreamlike state.
Impact of Assonance on the Reader
Assonance is an effective way for poets to communicate their messages to the reader. It evokes emotions, engages the reader and provides insight into the poet’s state of mind. The repetition of similar sounds can also add a sense of familiarity and comfort to the poem, allowing the reader to connect more closely to the work.
Difference between Assonance and Alliteration
Assonance and alliteration are two related literary devices, but they differ in one significant way. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds, while assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds. This means that alliteration is generally easier to identify in a poem or piece of writing as it uses the first letter of the words, which usually makes it stand out more than assonance.
Examples of Assonance in Poetry
The use of assonance can be seen throughout the works of some of the most famous poets such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Keats. One well-known example is Shakespeare’s famous sonnet, ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day’, which contains the repeating of the ‘long e’ sound in the second and fourth lines: ‘approve’ and ‘eve’. Another example of assonance is found in Wordsworth’s ‘Ode: Intimations of Immortality’, in which the poet uses the ‘short i’ sound in the first line: ‘The clouds that gather round the setting sun.’
Critical Analysis of Assonance in Poetry
Assonance is a powerful tool for poets to create rhythm and evoke emotion in readers. However, there is much debate over the way in which assonance is used in modern poetry. Some believe that because it is so widespread, it has become overused and is no longer effective. Others argue that it can still be used effectively, but only if it is used in moderation.
Assonance in Other Forms of Writing
Assonance is not only used in poetry, it can also be used in other forms of writing. It is often used in advertising slogans to grab the reader’s attention and create an enjoyable reading experience. For example, the McDonald’s slogan ‘I’m lovin’ it’ contains the ‘o’ sound in both words, making it an example of assonance. It also helps to create a more memorable and catchy phrase which helps to increase its appeal.
Conclusion
Assonance is an important sound device which has been used in poetry for centuries. It helps to emphasize the rhythm of a poem and creates a lyrical and dreamlike effect. Assonance is also used in other forms of writing such as advertising and song lyrics, but it is most commonly found in poetry. By repeating certain sounds, poets can evoke emotion, engage the reader and emphasize the meaning of the poem, making it a powerful and effective tool.
