Mastering Assonance Figure of Speech: The Melodic Harmony of Vowel Sounds | Definition | Examples | Common Doubts

By | January 20, 2024
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Introduction: The Rhythmic Elegance of Assonance

Assonance, a small yet powerful figure of speech, adds a lyrical quality to language by repeating vowel sounds. Let’s explore the concept of assonance, offering insights into its definition, usage, and the beauty it brings to both literature and everyday speech. Ideal for poetry lovers, writers, and language enthusiasts. 

What is Assonance?

Assonance occurs when the same or similar vowel sounds are repeated in nearby words, particularly in the stressed syllables. This figure of speech is often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, mood, and emphasis, enhancing the auditory appeal of language.

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Examples of Assonance in Literature and Everyday Language

Assonance is a common device in poetry, songs, and everyday language. Here are some examples that showcase its charm:

1. “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.” This famous line from “My Fair Lady” demonstrates assonance through the repetition of the ‘ai’ sound.

2. “Slow the low gradual moan came in the snowing.” John Masefield uses assonance with the ‘o’ sound to create a somber tone. In this sentence, the assonance is created by the repetition of the ‘o’ sound in ‘slow,’ ‘low,’ ‘moan,’ and ‘snowing,’.

3. “Hear the mellow wedding bells.” Edgar Allan Poe’s use of the ‘e’ sound in this line from “The Bells” creates a harmonious effect. 

4. “The light of the fire is a sight.” This simple phrase uses assonance with the ‘i’ sound, creating a pleasing rhythm.

5. “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” A humorous line that employs assonance with the ‘i’ sound.

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The Role of Assonance in Language

Assonance is more than an ornamental device; it serves several key functions:

– Creating Rhythm and Musicality:

Assonance plays a crucial role in adding rhythm and musicality to language. Here are some examples demonstrating this quality of Assonance:

1. “The light of the fire is a sight.”: The repetition of the ‘i’ sound in ‘light,’ ‘fire,’ and ‘sight’ creates a melodic rhythm.

2. “A long song, where the strong belong.”: The assonance with the ‘o’ sound in ‘long,’ ‘song,’ ‘strong,’ and ‘belong’ adds a harmonious quality to the phrase.

3. “Time flies by in the city’s sky.”: The ‘i’ sound in ‘time,’ ‘flies,’ ‘by,’ ‘city’s,’ and ‘sky’ produces a lyrical flow.

4. “The deep sea breeze blew over me.”: The ‘ee’ sound in ‘deep,’ ‘sea,’ ‘breeze,’ and ‘me’ contributes to the musicality of this line.

Each of these examples illustrates how assonance can imbue language with a pleasant, musical rhythm, enhancing its auditory appeal.

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– Setting Mood and Tone:

Assonance can be instrumental in setting mood and tone in language, as the repetition of specific sounds often evokes distinct emotions and atmospheres. Here are some examples:

1. “The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat the soldier’s last tattoo.” (From “Bivouac of the Dead” by Theodore O’Hara): The repetition of the ‘u’ sound in ‘muffled,’ ‘drum’s,’ and ‘tattoo’ evokes a somber and solemn mood.

2. “The breeze blew over the blue sea.”: The repeated ‘ee’ sound in ‘breeze,’ ‘blew,’ and ‘sea’ creates a light, airy, and tranquil atmosphere.

3. “Whispering winds in the willows.”: The ‘i’ sound repeated in ‘whispering,’ ‘winds,’ ‘willows’ creates a soft, soothing, and mysterious atmosphere.

4. “I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless.” (From “Thin Line Between Love and Hate” by The Persuaders): The ‘e’ sound in ‘confess,’ ‘quest,’ ‘depressed,’ and ‘restless’ conveys a sense of introspection and melancholy.

In each of these examples, assonance contributes to the overall emotional and atmospheric impact of the language, enhancing the listener’s or reader’s experience.

– Enhancing Memory and Recall:

The rhythmic quality of assonance makes phrases more memorable. Here are some examples of assonance that enhance memory and recall, different from the ones previously mentioned:

1. “The fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese.”: The repeated ‘ee’ sound in ‘fleet,’ ‘feet,’ ‘sweep,’ and ‘geese’ creates a memorable, rhythmic quality.

2. “From the molten-golden notes” (From “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe): The ‘o’ sound in ‘molten,’ ‘golden,’ and ‘notes’ forms a distinct rhythm that aids in recall.

3. “Stranger, if you passing meet me and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me?” (From “To a Stranger” by Walt Whitman): The repetition of the ‘e’ sound in ‘meet,’ ‘speak,’ and ‘me’ makes this line memorable.

4. “Silent night, holy night” (From the carol “Silent Night”): The ‘i’ sound in ‘silent’ and ‘night,’ and the ‘o’ sound in ‘holy’ create a soothing, easy-to-remember rhythm.

5. “Try to light the fire”: The ‘i’ sound repeated in ‘light,’ and ‘fire’ makes the phrase catchy and easy to remember.

In each of these examples, the use of assonance not only creates a lyrical quality but also makes the lines more memorable due to their rhythmic resonance.

Common doubts and confusions about assonance, along with clear explanations:

1. Understanding Assonance:

Doubt: “What is assonance exactly?”
Answer: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within closely connected words in a sentence or phrase. It’s not about the first letter but the sound within the words.

2. Difference Between Assonance and Alliteration:

Doubt: “How is assonance different from alliteration?”
Answer: Assonance focuses on the repetition of vowel sounds inside words, while alliteration is about the repetition of the beginning consonant sounds in words.

3. Assonance vs. Rhyme:

Doubt: “Is assonance the same as rhyming?”
Answer: No, assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, whereas rhyming typically occurs at the end of lines and involves matching vowel and consonant sounds.

4. Using Assonance Effectively:

Doubt: “How can I use assonance effectively in writing?” 
Answer: Use assonance to create rhythm, set mood, or make your writing more memorable. Be sure it feels natural and enhances the flow of your text.

5. Requirement of Repetition in Assonance:

Doubt: “Do the words need to be right next to each other for assonance?”
Answer: No, the words don’t have to be consecutive. Assonance occurs as long as the repeated vowel sounds are in close proximity.

6. First Letter Repetition for Assonance:

Doubt: “Does assonance require the first letter of the words to be repeated?”
Answer: No, assonance is about the repetition of vowel sounds inside words, not the first letter. For example, ‘time’ and ‘light’ demonstrate assonance with the ‘i’ sound, despite different starting letters.

Additional Note- If the letters are same but they are producing different sounds they will not be Assonance- For example if the following words are coming in a sentence one after another that will not be Assonance- 

Car- Chicago- Cello

Conclusion: The Lyrical Beauty of Assonance

Assonance enriches language with its subtle yet impactful repetition of vowel sounds. It adds a layer of musicality and emotion to expressions, making them more engaging and memorable. Whether in poetry, prose, or everyday conversation, assonance is a proof to the beauty and versatility of language.

FAQs

Question- What are some common examples of assonance in literature?
Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity, is a common literary device. Here are some examples from literature:

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: “And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.” The repetition of the ‘ur’ sound in ‘purple’ and ‘curtain’ is a classic example.
2. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” The ‘ea’ sound in ‘beat’ and ‘against,’ and the ‘a’ sound in ‘back’ and ‘past.’
3. “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: “To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.” The ‘o’ sound in ‘follow,’ ‘knowledge,’ and ‘sinking.’
4. “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: “Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” The ‘a’ sound in ‘age’ and ‘rave’ and the ‘o’ sound in ‘close’ and ‘of.’
5. “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth: “I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills.” The ‘o’ sound in ‘lonely,’ ‘floats,’ and ‘o’er.’

In each of these examples, assonance is used to create a specific mood, rhythm, or emphasis, adding to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the literary work.

Question- Can assonance and alliteration be persuasive elements in a speech?
Answer- Yes, both assonance and alliteration can be persuasive elements in a speech. They enhance the speech’s rhythmic quality and auditory appeal, making the message more memorable and engaging for the audience. Here’s how they contribute:

1. Assonance: 

   – Rhythm and Flow: The repetition of vowel sounds creates a musical rhythm that can make the speech more pleasing to listen to.

   – Emotional Impact: Assonance can evoke certain emotions or moods, helping to persuade the audience by aligning their feelings with the speaker’s message.

2. Alliteration: 

   – Attention-Grabbing: The repetition of initial consonant sounds draws listeners’ attention, emphasizing key points.

   – Memorability: Phrases with alliteration are often more memorable, making the main points of the speech stick in the audience’s mind.

Incorporating these elements thoughtfully can certainly enhance the persuasive power of a speech.

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