English Language Week 2 Grade 11B
Understanding Assonance
Definition: Assonance is a literary device used in poetry and prose. It involves the repetition of
vowel sounds in nearby words or syllables, creating a musical and rhythmic effect in the text.
Unlike rhyme, which involves the repetition of both consonant and vowel sounds, assonance
focuses specifically on vowel sounds.
Examples:
1. "The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain."
(Repetition of the long 'a' sound in "rain," "Spain," "mainly," and "plain.")
2. "Hear the mellow wedding bells."
(Repetition of the long 'e' sound in "hear," "mellow," and "wedding.")
3. "I must confess, it's a mess."
(Repetition of the short 'e' sound in "confess" and "mess.")
Purpose of Assonance:
Creating Mood: Assonance can create a specific mood or tone in a piece of writing.
Depending on the vowel sounds used, it can evoke feelings of calm, excitement, or
unease.
Enhancing Musicality: Assonance adds musical qualities to a text, making it more
pleasant to read or listen to. It can make a piece of writing sound lyrical or rhythmic.
Emphasizing Words: Authors use assonance to draw attention to specific words or
phrases, making them stand out and adding significance.
Assonance in Poetry:
In poetry, assonance is often used to enhance the poem's rhythm and musicality. It
helps to create a specific atmosphere or mood.
Example:
Poem: "The Sea"
The sea is a wondrous place, you see,
Where waves sing their songs so free.
Beneath the sky so blue and vast,
The ocean's beauty is unsurpassed.
Explanation:
1. "The sea is a wondrous place, you see":
Assonance: The repetition of the long 'e' sound in "sea," "see," and "free."
Explanation: The repetition of the 'ee' sound creates a sense of continuity and
openness, emphasizing the vastness of the sea.
2. "Where waves sing their songs so free.":
Assonance: The repetition of the long 'a' sound in "waves" and "songs."
Explanation: The repeated 'a' sound adds a sense of harmony and musicality, as
if the waves are indeed singing.
3. "Beneath the sky so blue and vast,":
Assonance: The repetition of the long 'a' sound in "beneath" and "vast."
Explanation: The assonance here reinforces the idea of the sea's vastness,
complementing the imagery of the wide, open sky.
4. "The ocean's beauty is unsurpassed.":
Assonance: The repetition of the short 'i' sound in "is" and "beauty."
Explanation: The repeated 'i' sound serves to emphasize the unmatched beauty
of the ocean, highlighting its uniqueness.
In this poem, assonance is used to create a rhythmic and musical quality, making the poem flow
smoothly. It also helps in drawing attention to key elements, such as the sea's vastness and
beauty. The repetition of vowel sounds enhances the poem's overall tone and contributes to
the imagery and emotion evoked in the reader.
Assonance in Prose:
Assonance is not limited to poetry; it's also found in prose, including novels and short
stories.
In prose, assonance is used to add beauty and rhythm to the text and can emphasize
certain passages or themes.
Identifying Assonance in prose fiction.
Excerpt from "The Old Oak Tree" by a Fictional Author:
Beneath the old oak tree, Sarah found solace. She sat on the mossy ground, surrounded by the
hushed rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The sun cast dappled patterns
through the branches, creating a serene atmosphere. The breeze brushed against her face, and
she closed her eyes, savoring the moment of peace.
Explanation:
In the provided prose fiction excerpt, we can identify an example of assonance:
"Beneath the old oak tree, Sarah found solace."
Assonance: The repetition of the short 'o' sound in "oak," "found," and "solace."
Explanation: The repeated 'o' sound in "oak," "found," and "solace" creates a subtle
musicality within the sentence. It adds a sense of harmony and softness, reflecting the
calm and peaceful atmosphere around the old oak tree. The assonance in this sentence
helps to convey the idea that Sarah finds comfort and tranquility under the tree,
emphasizing the emotional resonance of this particular moment. It enhances the
reader's sensory experience and emotional connection to the setting and character.
Conclusion: Assonance is a powerful literary tool that adds rhythm, musicality, and meaning to
writing. Whether in poetry or prose, it enriches the reading experience, making it more
engaging and memorable. By recognizing and understanding assonance, you'll gain a deeper
appreciation for the art of language and storytelling.
Homework
1. Read the following sentences and identify the assonance (repeated vowel sounds):
a. "She seems to beam with glee." b. "The boat floats alone on the open sea." c. "The
fire in his eyes was a sign of desire."
2. Choose a poem or an excerpt from a book you read and find an example of assonance.
Explain how the assonance contributes to the text's meaning or mood.
