English Literary Terms Questions Long
Assonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, particularly in poetry. It is used to create a musical and rhythmic effect, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the poem.
In poetry, assonance is employed to add a melodic quality to the verses, similar to how alliteration adds a rhythmic quality through the repetition of consonant sounds. By repeating vowel sounds, poets can create a harmonious and pleasing effect, drawing attention to specific words or phrases.
Assonance can be used in various ways within poetry. Firstly, it can be used to create internal rhyme, where the vowel sounds within a line or stanza rhyme with each other. This adds a sense of cohesion and musicality to the poem. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," the repeated "o" sound in the lines "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary" creates an internal rhyme that contributes to the haunting and melancholic tone of the poem.
Secondly, assonance can be used to emphasize certain words or ideas. By repeating vowel sounds in key words or phrases, poets can draw attention to them and make them stand out. This can help convey the intended meaning or evoke specific emotions. For instance, in William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," the repeated long "o" sound in the lines "I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o'er vales and hills" emphasizes the sense of tranquility and peacefulness, enhancing the reader's experience of the natural beauty being described.
Furthermore, assonance can contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of a poem. By carefully selecting and repeating specific vowel sounds, poets can create a particular tone or evoke a specific feeling in the reader. For example, in T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," the repeated short "i" sound in the lines "In the room the women come and go / Talking of Michelangelo" creates a sense of monotony and boredom, reflecting the protagonist's feelings of disillusionment and alienation.
In conclusion, assonance is a literary device used in poetry to create a musical and rhythmic effect by repeating vowel sounds. It adds a melodic quality to the verses, enhances the aesthetic appeal of the poem, and can be used to create internal rhyme, emphasize certain words or ideas, and contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere. Through the skillful use of assonance, poets can engage the reader's senses and emotions, making their poems more memorable and impactful.