Assonance is a literary device where similar vowel sounds repeat in two or more words within close proximity in poetry or prose. It often involves internal vowel sounds in words that don't rhyme. Assonance can emphasize important words, create rhythm, enhance mood, and add a lyrical quality to language.
Understanding Assonance
Assonance, derived from the Latin "assonare" meaning "to answer with the same sound," is a powerful tool in literature. It involves the repetition of vowel sounds in words within the same line or passage, even if the words don't rhyme perfectly. This repetition creates a musical or rhythmic quality in the text.
Examples of Assonance in Everyday Language
Assonance is not limited to literature; it's also found in everyday phrases and expressions that people use for emphasis or to convey a certain mood. Here are some common examples:
Son of a gun
The cat is out of the bag
Dumb luck
After awhile, crocodile
Chips and dip
Cock of the walk
Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite
Stranger danger
Winner, winner, chicken dinner
Motion of the ocean
Keep your eyes on the prize
Lean, mean, fighting machine
Wild child
Surf and turf
Assonance in Song Lyrics
Assonance is frequently used in song lyrics to enhance the musicality and emotional impact of the words. Here are some examples from well-known songs:
"Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer" (Hans Carste)
"I recall Central Park in fall" ("Danke Schoen" Wayne Newton)
"Rock Around the Clock" (Bill Haley and His Comets)
"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain" (musical "My Fair Lady")
"Back in Black" (AC/DC)
"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam" ("Home on the Range" Daniel E. Kelley and Brewster M. Higley)
"Only the Lonely" (Roy Orbison)
"Say hey, good lookin'. Whatcha got cookin'?" ("Hey Good Lookin'" Hank Williams, Jr.)
"Crocodile Rock" (Elton John)
"Light My Fire" (The Doors)
"Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright" ("Silent Night" Joseph Mohr)
Famous Literary Examples of Assonance
Assonance is a powerful literary device used by renowned authors to create memorable works. Here are some famous examples:
Example 1: From "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary"
This repetition of vowel sounds enhances the eerie mood of the poem.
Example 2: From "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss
"I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam I Am."
The assonance in "I do not like" and "I am" emphasizes the narrator's refusal.
Example 3: From an English tongue-twister
"Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely"
This tongue-twister uses assonance for its playful and rhythmic effect.
Assonance vs. Alliteration
Assonance is often confused with alliteration, but they have distinct differences:
Alliteration: Involves the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Assonance: Involves the repetition of vowel sounds in words, even if they don't rhyme perfectly.
Both assonance and alliteration influence rhythm in literature, but assonance focuses on vowel sounds.
Using Assonance in Writing
Writers use assonance to:
- Create Rhythm: Assonance helps establish rhythms in poetry and prose, enhancing the reader's experience.
- Enhance Mood: It sets the tone and mood of a literary work through sound repetition.
- Lyrical Effect: Assonance adds a musical and lyrical quality to language, enriching the text's meaning.
However, it's essential to use assonance sparingly to avoid overwhelming the reader with repeated sounds.
Examples of Assonance in Sentences
His table's stable after putting a balancer under it.
On a cold winter evening; singing was not allowed on the farm.
Are you sure Bob robbed the store last night?
There's a green bee instead of a yellow one in the fantasy world.
Jane asked Johnny to just trust her while cutting his hair.
Synonyms of Assonance
While there are no direct synonyms for assonance, words like chant, lyric, music, aria, and chime share some related qualities. However, each of these terms has its unique meaning and use.
Let's Discuss Assonance
Have you come across any modern examples of assonance in literature, songs, or other forms of media? How did the use of assonance enhance the overall experience or meaning of the content? Share your thoughts and examples in the comments below.