Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, is a powerful literary device that enhances the musicality and memorability of text. It adds depth and texture to writing, creating subtle connections between words and reinforcing themes.
Understanding assonance is crucial for anyone looking to analyze and appreciate literature more fully. This article explores the definition, structure, types, and usage of assonance, providing numerous examples and practical exercises to help you master this essential literary technique.
Whether you’re a student, writer, or simply a lover of language, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to identify and appreciate assonance in all its forms.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Assonance
- Structural Breakdown of Assonance
- Types of Assonance
- Examples of Assonance
- Usage Rules of Assonance
- Common Mistakes with Assonance
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Assonance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close to each other in a text. It’s a phonetic device used to create internal rhyme, enhance rhythm, and emphasize certain words or phrases.
Unlike rhyme, which involves the repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds, assonance focuses solely on the vowel sounds. This subtle repetition can create a musical effect that resonates with the reader or listener, drawing attention to the underlying message or theme of the work.
Assonance is often used intentionally by writers to add depth, texture, and a sense of unity to their writing, but it can also occur unintentionally.
To fully understand assonance, it’s helpful to distinguish it from other sound devices like consonance and alliteration. Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words, while alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. While all three devices contribute to the overall sound and rhythm of a piece of writing, assonance specifically targets the vowel sounds, creating a unique auditory effect.
In essence, assonance serves as a tool for poets, novelists, and songwriters to craft more engaging and memorable pieces. By carefully choosing words that share similar vowel sounds, writers can create a sense of cohesion and harmony, enhancing the overall impact of their work.
The effect can be subtle, almost subliminal, yet powerful in its ability to evoke emotion and create a connection with the audience.
Structural Breakdown of Assonance
The structure of assonance is relatively straightforward: it involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words. However, the placement and pattern of these vowel sounds can vary, creating different effects.
The key element is that the vowel sounds must be similar enough to be perceived as a repetition, even if the surrounding consonants are different.
Consider the phrase “the sea under the green tree.” Here, the repetition of the “ee” sound in “sea,” “green,” and “tree” creates assonance. The words don’t need to be right next to each other; they simply need to be close enough to create a noticeable auditory link. The surrounding consonant sounds are different (“s,” “gr,” “tr”), which distinguishes it from rhyme.
Assonance can be created with any vowel sound, including short vowels (like the “a” in “cat”), long vowels (like the “a” in “cake”), and diphthongs (vowel combinations like the “oy” in “boy”). The effectiveness of assonance depends on the context and the surrounding words.
A well-placed instance of assonance can add emphasis and musicality to a line, while a poorly placed one can sound awkward or forced.
The spacing between the assonant words is also important. Generally, the closer the words are, the more noticeable the assonance will be.
However, assonance can also be effective when the words are slightly further apart, creating a more subtle and nuanced effect. Experimentation and careful attention to sound are key to mastering the use of assonance.
Types of Assonance
Assonance can be categorized based on the placement of the repeated vowel sounds within the words. The three main types are beginning assonance, middle assonance, and end assonance.
Beginning Assonance
Beginning assonance occurs when the vowel sound is repeated at the beginning of words. This type of assonance is less common than middle assonance but can be effective in drawing attention to specific words or phrases.
It’s often used to create a sense of emphasis or urgency.
Example: Apple and almond.
Middle Assonance
Middle assonance, also known as internal assonance, is the most common type. It involves the repetition of vowel sounds within the middle of words.
This type of assonance is often used to create a sense of rhythm and flow, and it can be particularly effective in poetry and song lyrics.
Example: The bride smiled with pride.
End Assonance
End assonance occurs when the vowel sound is repeated at the end of words. This type of assonance is similar to rhyme, but it only involves the repetition of the vowel sound, not the consonant sounds.
It can be used to create a subtle sense of connection between words and can be particularly effective in creating a sense of closure or resolution.
Example: He and tree.
Examples of Assonance
Assonance is found in various forms of literature, music, and everyday speech. Here are some examples categorized by type.
Assonance in Poetry
Poetry is a rich source of assonance, as poets often use sound devices to create musicality and enhance the emotional impact of their work. The following table provides several examples of assonance found in famous poems.
The following table showcases assonance examples in poetry, demonstrating how poets use vowel sound repetition to create rhythm and emphasis.
| Poem Excerpt | Assonance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I break into the sea.” – Alfred Tennyson, “Break, Break, Break” | “ea” | Repetition of the “ea” sound creates a sense of longing. |
| “Mellow, when the dews close.” – Walt Whitman, “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” | “e” | The “e” sound adds to the poem’s gentle and reflective tone. |
| “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.” – My Fair Lady (though often used to teach pronunciation) | “ai” | The repetition of the “ai” sound emphasizes the phrase and makes it memorable. |
| “Who knows what shows.” – Allen Ginsberg, “Howl” | “o” | The repetition of the “o” sound creates a sense of mystery and uncertainty. |
| “An eastern cave, and all the weather beaten.” – Tennyson, “Morte d’Arthur” | “ea” | The repeated “ea” sound evokes the harshness of the elements. |
| “Hear the meallow wedding bells.” – Edgar Allan Poe, “The Bells” | “e” | The “e” sound enhances the musicality of the line. |
| “Dying of thirst, by the side of the well.” – Thomas Hood, “The Water Lady” | “i” | The repetition of the “i” sound emphasizes the irony and tragedy of the situation. |
| “Under the brush, bush, bush.” – T.S. Eliot, “The Waste Land” | “u” | The repeated “u” sound creates a sense of monotony and desolation. |
| “The silver teeth of the moon.” – Wilfred Owen, “Strange Meeting” | “ee” | “ee” sound creates a vivid and slightly unsettling image. |
| “That dope that spoke.” – Eminem, “Business” | “o” | The repetition of the “o” sound adds to the rhyme and rhythm of the line. |
| “Stone cold, broken, and defiled.” – Jay-Z, “D’Evils” | “o” | The “o” sound reinforces the feeling of devastation and ruin. |
| “I made this range off lava.” – Drake, “Diplomatic Immunity” | “a” | Repetition of the “a” sound emphasizes the line. |
| “And so all the night-tide, I lie down by the sea.” – Edgar Allan Poe, “Annabel Lee” | “i” | The repetition of the “i” sound emphasizes the speaker’s grief and longing. |
| “From the moment I met you, felt my spirit rise.” – Alicia Keys, “No One” | “o” | The “o” sound adds to the uplifting and romantic tone of the song. |
| “Each eager evening.” – Rupert Brooke, “The Old Vicarage, Grantchester” | “e” | The repetition of the “e” sound emphasizes the beauty and serenity of the evening. |
| “A hour before the worsted wrench.” – Dylan Thomas, “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” | “o” | The “o” sound adds to the intensity and urgency of the poem. |
| “The blue boon of heaven.” – Gerard Manley Hopkins, “Pied Beauty” | “oo” | The “oo” sound emphasizes the beauty and wonder of nature. |
| “He fell asleep under the cherry tree.” | “ee” | The “ee” sound creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere. |
| “I do not know.” | “o” | The “o” sound adds emphasis and a sense of uncertainty. |
| “The bain of my existence.” | “ai” | The “ai” sound emphasizes the negative impact. |
Assonance in Prose
While more subtle in prose than in poetry, assonance still plays a significant role in creating rhythm and emphasis. Authors often use assonance to enhance the musicality of their writing and to draw attention to key themes or ideas.
The following table contains examples of assonance in prose, demonstrating its role in creating rhythm and emphasis in written storytelling.
| Prose Excerpt | Assonance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “The light of the fire is a sight.” | “igh” | The “igh” sound creates a vivid and memorable image. |
| “The seals creamed and cackled.” – James Joyce, *Ulysses* | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds to the sensory experience of the passage. |
| “So pass the days, so they drift and die away.” – Virginia Woolf, *Mrs. Dalloway* | “o” | The “o” sound creates a sense of melancholy and transience. |
| “White silence within.” – Cormac McCarthy, *The Road* | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the emptiness and desolation of the post-apocalyptic landscape. |
| “A proud, round cloud.” – E.M. Forster, *A Room with a View* | “ou” | The “ou” sound adds to the descriptive quality of the passage. |
| “The book looked bad.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound emphasizes the negative state of the book. |
| “The pain waits, then fades.” | “ai” | The “ai” sound emphasizes the suffering and its eventual disappearance. |
| “The old monarch groaned.” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the age and suffering of the monarch. |
| “The boots were beside the bed.” | “e” | The “e” sound adds to the descriptive quality of the passage. |
| “The day may end soon.” | “ay” | The “ay” sound creates a sense of anticipation. |
| “The blue moon shoats.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound adds emphasis to the description. |
| “This bright light is blinding.” | “i” | The “i” sound creates a vivid sensory experience. |
| “A rose by any other nomenclature.” | “o” | The “o” sound adds emphasis to the point. |
| “The sea seems to be calling.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound creates a vivid and memorable image. |
| “The clear skies breathe.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds to the descriptive quality of the passage. |
| “The light of the fire is a sight.” | “igh” | The “igh” sound creates a vivid and memorable image. |
| “The brain drained and waited.” | “ai” | The “ai” sound emphasizes the mental fatigue. |
| “The wood good as new.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound adds to the descriptive quality of the passage. |
| “The green tree is great.” | “ee” | The “ee” sound emphasizes the beauty of the tree. |
| “The sound abounds.” | “ou” | The “ou” sound adds emphasis. |
Assonance in Songs
Songwriters frequently use assonance to create catchy and memorable melodies. The repetition of vowel sounds can make lyrics more pleasing to the ear and easier to remember.
The table below lists examples of assonance in song lyrics, showcasing how musicians use sound to enhance their music.
| Song Excerpt | Assonance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I don’t know who I am without you.” – U2, “With or Without You” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the singer’s sense of loss and confusion. |
| “Rain may come, rolling down.” – John Denver, “Rhymes and Reasons” | “ai” | The “ai” sound adds to the soothing and reflective tone of the song. |
| “Shake it off, shake it off.” – Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off” | “a” | The “a” sound emphasizes the repetitive and catchy nature of the chorus. |
| “Like a diamond in the sky.” – Rihanna, “Diamonds” | “i” | The “i” sound adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the image. |
| “We found love in a hopeless place.” – Rihanna, “We Found Love” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the unexpected nature of the love. |
| “Every breath you take, every move you make.” – The Police, “Every Breath You Take” | “e” | The “e” sound adds to the sense of being watched. |
| “I wanna be your slave.” – Måneskin, “I Wanna Be Your Slave” | “a” | The “a” sound emphasizes the feeling of submission. |
| “Love me like you do.” – Ellie Goulding, “Love Me Like You Do” | “o” | The “o” sound adds to the romantic tone. |
| “You know I’m no good.” – Amy Winehouse, “You Know I’m No Good” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the self-deprecating nature of the lyrics. |
| “I’m blue dabadee dabada.” – Eiffel 65, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” | “ue” | The “ue” sound adds to the memorable, nonsensical quality of the lyrics. |
| “Crazy, but that’s how it goes.” – Ariana Grande, “7 Rings” | “a” | The “a” sound adds to the catchy nature of the song. |
| “I see fire inside the mountain.” – Ed Sheeran, “I See Fire” | “i” | The “i” sound adds to the intensity and drama of the song. |
| “The road is long.” – The Hollies, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the length of the journey. |
| “Lookin’ for love.” – Paul Cauthen, “Have Mercy” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the desire for love. |
| “I’m walkin’ on sunshine.” – Katrina & The Waves, “Walking on Sunshine” | “a” | The “a” sound adds to the upbeat and joyful tone of the song. |
| “Every little thing she does is magic.” – The Police, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the enchanting quality of the girl’s actions. |
| “Leave me alone to sieze my fate.” – Florence + The Machine, “Seize Your Fate” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds to the dramatic and determined tone of the song. |
| “Somebody that I used to know.” – Gotye, “Somebody That I Used to Know” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the distance and loss in the relationship. |
| “It’s time to begin, isn’t it?” – Imagine Dragons, “It’s Time” | “i” | The “i” sound adds to the sense of urgency and anticipation. |
| “Leave me alone to sieze my fate.” – Florence + The Machine, “Seize Your Fate” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds to the dramatic and determined tone of the song. |
Assonance in Advertising
Advertisers use assonance to make their slogans and brand names more memorable and appealing. The repetition of vowel sounds can help a product or service stick in the minds of consumers.
The following table contains examples of assonance in advertising slogans, illustrating its effectiveness in making brands memorable.
| Slogan | Assonance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Melt in your mouth, not in your hand.” – M&Ms | “ou” | The “ou” sound makes the slogan memorable and emphasizes the product’s unique selling point. |
| “A day‘s delay is not okay.” – FedEx | “ay” | The “ay” sound emphasizes the importance of timely delivery. |
| “Get the best for less.” | “e” | The “e” sound adds to the slogan’s catchiness and emphasizes value. |
| “Easily peasy, lemon squeezy.” | “e” | The “e” sound emphasizes the ease and simplicity of the product. |
| “Think bright, think light.” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the positive and uplifting qualities of the product. |
| “Keep the queality, keep quietly.” | “ee” | The “ee” sound creates a quiet and sophisticated tone. |
| “Real food real fast.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound emphasizes the authenticity and speed of the service. |
| “The best a man can get.” | “e” | The “e” sound adds to the slogan’s confidence and appeal to men. |
| “Drive alive.” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the excitement and energy of driving. |
| “Go with the flow.” | “o” | The “o” sound adds to the slogan’s sense of freedom and ease. |
| “Sound sleep is proudly found.” | “ou” | The “ou” sound emphasizes the comfort and restfulness of the product. |
| “It has an aroma.” | “a” | The “a” sound emphasizes the scent of the product. |
| “Soft and flowing.” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the texture of the product. |
| “Nice price.” | “ice” | The “ice” sound emphasizes the affordability of the product. |
| “The team to treat.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound emphasizes the quality of the service. |
| “Time is right.” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the timeliness of the opportunity. |
| “Old town has soul.” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the character of the town. |
| “Go for the glow.” | “o” | The “o” sound emphasizes the desired result of the product. |
| “A boost to you.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound emphasizes the positive effect of the product. |
| “Every day is a holiday.” | “ay” | The “ay” sound emphasizes the enjoyment of the product. |
Assonance in Everyday Speech
Assonance is not limited to formal writing and music; it also appears in everyday speech, often unconsciously. It can add emphasis, humor, or a sense of rhythm to casual conversations.
The following table contains examples of assonance in common phrases and expressions, showing its presence in everyday conversation.
| Phrase | Assonance | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “See you later, alligator.” | “a” | The “a” sound makes the farewell phrase more playful and memorable. |
| “How now, brown cow?” | “ow” | The “ow” sound creates a rhythmic and whimsical effect. |
| “So far, so good.” | “o” | The “o” sound adds emphasis and a sense of optimism. |
| “Time flies when you’re having fun.” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the fleeting nature of enjoyable experiences. |
| “No pain, no gain.” | “ai” | The “ai” sound emphasizes the connection between effort and reward. |
| “A slight bite.” | “i” | The “i” sound emphasizes the smallness of the bite. |
| “Sound the ground.” | “ou” | The “ou” sound adds a rhythmic quality to the phrase. |
| “A day to play.” | “ay” | The “ay” sound emphasizes the purpose of the day. |
| “Book the course.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound adds rhythm and emphasis. |
| “Think then blink.” | “i” | The “i” sound adds emphasis to the action. |
| “A beam and wreath.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds a poetic quality. |
| “Great faith.” | “ai” | The “ai” sound adds emphasis. |
| “A coast and hoast.” | “oa” | The “oa” sound adds emphasis. |
| “Sea the threat.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds emphasis. |
| “Sure view.” | “ew” | The “ew” sound adds emphasis. |
| “The teach and wreath.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds to the rhythm. |
| “Blue and whoo.” | “oo” | The “oo” sound adds to the rhythm. |
| “Dear and hear.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds emphasis. |
| “Sea the receipt.” | “ea” | The “ea” sound adds emphasis. |
| “Do the show.” | “o” | The “o” sound adds to rhythm. |
Usage Rules of Assonance
Using assonance effectively involves understanding its purpose and applying it deliberately. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Intentional Use: Assonance should be used intentionally to create a specific effect, such as emphasizing a theme, creating a mood, or enhancing the musicality of the text.
- Subtlety: Assonance is most effective when it is subtle and not overly obvious. Avoid forcing assonance, as this can make the writing sound contrived.
- Context: Consider the context in which the assonance is used. The surrounding words and the overall tone of the text can influence the effectiveness of the assonance.
- Variety: Experiment with different types of assonance (beginning, middle, end) to create a variety of effects.
- Balance: Balance the use of assonance with other sound devices, such as consonance and alliteration, to create a well-rounded and engaging text.
- Emphasis: Use assonance to draw attention to particular words or phrases. The repetition of vowel sounds can make these elements stand out and resonate with the reader.
- Rhythm: Incorporate assonance to create a sense of rhythm and flow in your writing. This can make the text more engaging and easier to read.
Common Mistakes with Assonance
While assonance can be a powerful tool, it’s easy to misuse it. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overuse: Using assonance too frequently can make the writing sound repetitive and forced. It’s best to use it sparingly and strategically.
- Forced Assonance: Trying too hard to create assonance can lead to awkward or unnatural word choices. The assonance should feel organic and flow naturally from the text.
- Ignoring Context: Failing to consider the context in which the assonance is used can diminish its effectiveness. Make sure the assonance aligns with the overall tone and message of the text.
- Confusing with Rhyme: Assonance is not the same as rhyme. Rhyme involves the repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds, while assonance focuses solely on vowel sounds. Mixing them up can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of the writing.
- Inconsistency: Inconsistent use of assonance can disrupt the flow of the text and confuse the reader. Maintain a consistent approach to assonance throughout the piece.
Practice Exercises
To improve your understanding and application of assonance, try these exercises:
Exercise 1: Identifying Assonance
Read the following sentences and identify the instances of assonance. Explain what effect the assonance creates in each sentence.
- The sea under the green tree.
- The bright light shines.
- The old crow flew.
- The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
- The blue moon.
Click to reveal answers
- “ea” sound in “sea,” “green,” and “tree.” Creates a sense of calm and nature.
- “i” sound in “bright,” “light,” and “shines.” Creates emphasis on the brightness.
- “o” sound in “old,” “crow,” and “flew.” Adds a melancholic tone.
- “ai” sound in “rain,” “Spain,” “mainly,” and “plain.” Enhances memorability and rhythm.
- “ue” and “oo” sound in “blue” and “moon.” Creates a dreamy, visual effect.
Exercise 2: Creating Assonance
Write three sentences, each using assonance to create a different effect (e.g., emphasis, rhythm, mood).
Example:
- Emphasis: The sleek wheels speed.
- Rhythm: The brain drained by the train.
- Mood: The moaning groans in the night.
Your turn:
- Emphasis: ____________________________________________________
- Rhythm: ______________________________________________________
- Mood: _______________________________________________________
Advanced Topics in Assonance
For those looking to delve deeper into the study of assonance, here are some advanced topics to consider:
- Assonance in Different Languages: Explore how assonance is used in languages other than English. Different languages may have different phonetic rules and conventions that affect the use and perception of assonance.
- Assonance and Cognitive Science: Investigate the cognitive processes involved in perceiving and processing assonance. Research in cognitive science can shed light on why assonance is so effective in creating memorable and engaging text.
- Assonance in Multimodal Texts: Analyze how assonance interacts with other elements in multimodal texts, such as films, advertisements, and video games. The combination of sound, image, and text can create complex and nuanced effects.
- The History of Assonance: Trace the historical development of assonance as a literary device. Understanding its origins and evolution can provide valuable insights into its current usage and significance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between assonance and consonance?
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, while consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words. Both devices contribute to the musicality of text, but they focus on different types of sounds.
How can I improve my ability to identify assonance?
Practice listening to and reading texts with a focus on vowel sounds. Pay attention to how the repetition of vowel sounds affects the rhythm and tone of the text.
You can also use online resources and exercises to hone your skills.
Is assonance only used in poetry?
No, assonance is used in various forms of writing and speech, including poetry, prose, song lyrics, advertising slogans, and everyday conversation. While it is more commonly associated with poetry, it can be an effective tool in any context where sound and rhythm are important.
Can assonance be unintentional?
Yes, assonance can occur unintentionally, especially in spontaneous speech. However, when used deliberately, it can add depth and texture.
What are some other sound devices that are similar to assonance?
Other sound devices similar to assonance include alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds), consonance (repetition of consonant sounds within words), and rhyme (repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds at the end of words).
Conclusion
Assonance is a valuable literary device that enhances the musicality, memorability, and emotional impact of text. By understanding its definition, structure, types, and usage rules, you can effectively incorporate assonance into your own writing and appreciate its presence in the works of others.
Whether you’re a student, writer, or language enthusiast, mastering assonance will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the art of language.