Let’s talk about assonance—the unsung hero of poetic sound devices that gives poetry a little extra musicality. Sure, we all know about rhyme and alliteration, but assonance brings something special to the table. It’s when vowels team up and create a delightful echo through lines of poetry, giving the verse a rhythmic, flowing quality without being as obvious as rhyming. Basically, assonance is the subtle, cool kid of poetry.
So, what exactly is assonance? It’s the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, and it can make even the simplest sentence sound like a song. Now, let’s dive into this vowel-powered magic with some fun examples!
Assonance Definition: The Music of Repeating Vowels
Assonance is when the same vowel sound is repeated within closely placed words, often giving a poem a soft, flowing sound. Unlike rhyme, where both the vowel and the ending consonant match, assonance focuses on just the vowel sound. Think of it as a cousin of rhyme—but one that’s a bit more mysterious.
Assonance Example:
“Hear the mellow wedding bells,” – Edgar Allan Poe
In Poe’s line, the repeated “e” sounds in “hear,” “mellow,” and “bells” create a musical quality. It’s subtle but adds a smoothness to the reading that makes the words feel almost like a song.
More Examples of Assonance in Poetry
- “The crumbling thunder of seas” – Robert Louis Stevenson
The “u” sound in “crumbling” and “thunder” helps mimic the rumble of crashing waves. Perfect for evoking nature’s power! - “I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless.” – Thin Lizzy (from Dancing in the Moonlight)
The repeated “e” sound here not only ties the line together but also emphasizes the feeling of restlessness. Assonance works wonders in music, too! - “Fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese.”
The “ee” sound here practically flies across the line, making it feel fast and light—just like those “fleet feet.”
Why Assonance Is So Cool
Assonance isn’t as in-your-face as rhyme or alliteration, but that’s what makes it so effective. It gives poems (and even prose) a smooth, musical flow without being too obvious. Assonance helps create mood and atmosphere by making certain sounds stick in your mind—like the hum of a song you can’t quite place.
In short: assonance is the secret sauce that keeps language from sounding flat. It adds texture, rhythm, and just enough repetition to make lines memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between assonance and alliteration?
Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in nearby words (like “big blue balloon”). Assonance, on the other hand, repeats vowel sounds in nearby words, no matter where they appear in the word (like “fleet feet”).
Can assonance be used in everyday writing?
Absolutely! Assonance pops up in everything from poetry to speeches to everyday conversation. Anytime you want to add a bit of rhythm or musicality to your words, assonance is your go-to.
What’s a famous poem with assonance?
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Bells is packed with assonance. The repetition of vowel sounds throughout the poem mirrors the chiming of bells, adding to the eerie, hypnotic mood.