Assonance enhances the rhythm and mood of a piece of writing. But it can also make your writing more memorable.
For instance, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain" demonstrates assonance through the repetition of the long "a" sound.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- How assonance works
- Tips for using it effectively
- Examples from literature
How Assonance Works
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words within a line, phrase, or sentence.
It works by echoing similar vowel sounds in nearby words. This creates a melodic effect.
Much like alliteration and consonance, assonance enhances the musical quality of language.
However, while alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial consonant sounds and consonance on internal consonant sounds, assonance zeroes in on vowel sounds.
These echoing sounds can create moods and tone.
For instance, long vowel sounds can give a sense of calm or melancholy, while short vowel sounds can make it feel fast-paced and energetic.
Where It Can Be Used
Assonance can appear in any type of writing, from poetry to prose and even in advertising and song lyrics. It’s a versatile device that can adapt to fit the rhythm and flow of whatever you’re writing.
Common Vowel Sounds for Assonance
Certain vowel sounds are used more frequently in assonance because of their distinct and memorable quality. These include:
- The long "i" sound as in "light" or "time"
- The short "e" sound as in "met" or "best"
- The long "o" sound as in "go" or "hope"
- The short "a" sound as in "cat" or "hat"
Assonance vs. Consonance
While both assonance and consonance involve the repetition of sounds, they focus on different aspects of words. Assonance repeats vowel sounds, while consonance repeats consonant sounds.
For example, in the phrase "The rain in Spain," assonance is present in the repeated "ai" sound. In the phrase "The pitter patter of little feet," consonance is present in the repeated "tt" sound.
Why Can Assonance Make Your Writing Better?
Assonance is a powerful tool in the writer’s toolkit. Here’s why:
Enhances Musicality
Assonance adds a lyrical quality to your writing. It can transform a simple sentence into something that’s pleasing to the ear and engaging to read.
Take the phrase "The mellow yellow fellow." The repetition of the "e" and "o" sounds gives it a rhythmic flow that makes the phrase stand out.
Creates Mood and Atmosphere
The sounds you choose can set the mood of your writing.
Long vowel sounds can create a sense of calm or melancholy, while short, sharp vowels can create tension or excitement.
In Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven," the repetition of the long "o" sound in words like "dreary" and "weary" adds to the poem’s eerie, haunting atmosphere.
Reinforces Themes
Assonance can subtly emphasize the themes or messages in your writing.
By echoing similar sounds, you can draw connections between ideas and make them more memorable.
In Robert Frost’s poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," the repeated "i" sound in "Whose woods these are I think I know" reinforces the theme of introspection.
Adds Emphasis
Want to highlight a particular word or phrase? Use assonance.
The repetition of vowel sounds naturally draws the reader’s attention, making the emphasized words stick in their mind.
For example, the phrase "Wise eyes rise" not only sounds pleasing but also emphasizes the qualities of wisdom and growth.
Makes Writing Memorable
Whether you’re writing poetry, a novel, or an article, assonance can make your writing more memorable.
The rhythmic quality it adds can help readers remember your words long after they’ve finished reading.
Think about famous quotes or song lyrics that stick with you—they often use assonance to create a catchy, unforgettable line.
Engages Readers
Assonance invites readers to pay closer attention to the sounds and rhythms of your writing.
This active engagement can lead to a deeper appreciation of your work and a more immersive reading experience.
When readers pick up on the subtle patterns of sound you’ve woven into your writing, it can add an extra layer of meaning and enjoyment.
Assonance Examples
Here are some notable examples of assonance from poetry and literature.
1. The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe
"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, 'tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.'"
The repetition of the "ea" sound in "dreary" and "weary" creates a feeling of exhaustion and melancholy, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
2. The Waste Land by T. S. Elliot
"April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain."
The repetition of the short "i" sound in "mixing" and "stirring" gives the lines a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality.
3. Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
The repetition of the long "i" sound in "night," "light," and "dying" adds intensity to the poem’s urgent message.
4. The Bells by Edgar Allen Poe
"Hear the mellow wedding bells,
Golden bells!
What a world of happiness their harmony foretells!
Through the balmy air of night
How they ring out their delight!"
The repetition of the long "e" sound in "bells" and "foretells" creates a musical, celebratory tone that mimics the sound of the bells themselves.
5. The Tyger by William Blake
"Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?"
The repetition of the long "i" sound in "Tyger," "bright," and "eye" creates a sense of mystery and wonder, emphasizing the poem’s exploration of the divine and the terrifying.
6. If You Were Coming in the Fall by Emily Dickinson
"If you were coming in the fall,
I’d brush the summer by
With half a smile and half a spurn,
As housewives do a fly."
The repetition of the short "i" sound in "if", "in", and "by" creates a sense of anticipation and longing, mirroring the speaker’s desire for the return of a loved one.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
"People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for."
The repetition of the long "ee" sound in "see" and "hear" emphasizes the idea that people perceive the world in a way that confirms their existing beliefs.
8. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
"The White Whale swam before him as the monomaniac incarnation of all those malicious agencies which some deep men feel eating in them…"
The repetition of the long "e" sound in "deep" and "eating" creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the destructive power of the White Whale.
How to Use Assonance in Your Writing
Assonance can be a powerful tool to enhance your writing. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
Choose Your Words Wisely
The key to effective assonance is choosing words with similar vowel sounds.
You don’t have to stick to just one vowel sound throughout your piece. Feel free to mix and match different vowel sounds to create a more complex and nuanced rhythm.
Pay Attention to Rhythm
Assonance works best when it fits naturally into the rhythm of your writing. Avoid forcing words together just for the sake of creating assonance.
Instead, let the vowel sounds flow naturally within the context of your sentence or line.
Use Assonance Sparingly
While assonance can be a powerful tool, using it too much can make your writing feel forced or contrived. Save it for key moments where you want to emphasize a particular idea or create a specific mood.
Experiment and Have Fun
Don’t be afraid to play around with different combinations of vowel sounds. Assonance is a creative tool. So, experiment and see what works best for your writing.
Conclusion
Assonance is a powerful tool that can transform your writing from ordinary to extraordinary.
By repeating vowel sounds, you can create rhythm, emphasize key points, and make your writing more memorable.
Whether you’re writing poetry, prose, or even a catchy slogan, assonance can help your words resonate with your audience.
So, experiment with different vowel combinations, and watch as your writing takes on a new, musical quality.