Using different literary techniques also helps to communicate different points to readers in an unique way. One of the common techniques used with literature is assonance. This provides specific sounds throughout the piece of work to create an interesting twist to the writing.
Features
Assonance is used specifically to create sound to the writing through the use of vowels. This is similar to a rhyme and is done by taking vowels that are in different words and using them repetitively. This is usually only used in a short space, such as in a sentence or phrase. By doing this, it creates an effect that allows the writing to move forward differently, such as with a rhythm to the words being used.
When using assonance, the words do not have a direct rhyme. For instance, if you said, cat and bat, the "a" sound may be considered assonance. However, since the "t" is at the end, it is considered a rhyme. If you say cat and ban, then it is closer to assonance because the vowels are the same, but not the ending consonant.
History
The use of modern English has led to the use of assonance, and it continues to be used in different forms of poetry. It developed its name from a Latin base, which is defined as "to sound." Several classic authors use this particular tool freely. Some famous examples come from W.B. Yeats, Dylan Thomas, Sylvia Plath and John Hawkes.
The concept of assonance, however, is not just one that is used in classic literature. Newer authors also use assonance to help with descriptions and to make a more rhythmic feel to their works. This has also moved outside of the genre of literature, and is known among rap artists as a common way to accent specific words that are not at the end of sentences, so the rhythm and feel can continue moving forward.
Effects
The concept of rhythm in literature and with the use of words is one that is considered secondary; however, it makes a difference in how the literature is read. When assonance is used, the vowels are able to accent what is being said. As this happens, a rhythm is developed in the areas where the accent falls. It should be kept in mind that this is different than a rhyme, as it simply moves the words forward, even though the ending consonants are different.
The definition of rhythm is anything that carries a steady beat to push something forward. When you walk, you have rhythm, as your feet have to stay at a steady pace to move forward.
The definition of an accent is a strong beat on a rhythm. For instance, if you are walking and pound with your right foot, then step lightly with your left, than it is the right foot that is accented, because it carries the sound strongly.
To describe the concept of rhythm and accents through assonance, you can take several examples of how the rhythm pushes the words forward. For example, an example by the rap artist, Big Pun, sounds like this. "Dead in the middle of Italy, little did we know that we riddled two middle men who didn't do diddly." the "i" throughout the line ties everything together with the correct rhythm. A more classic example can be seen from William Wordsworth. "Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn." The "o" is the rhythm that brings together the literary affect of assonance.
Identification
If you are reading a piece of literature and are looking for assonance, you will want to look for cues. One of the easiest is to see if you are reading a poetic like piece of work. Typically, these will use more assonance than fiction or non-fiction. However, some authors may add in some assonance to change things with their literature.
The easiest way to identify assonance is to listen to how you are reading a writing and where the accents are. If you notice that there are accents on certain vowels, than you are most likely using assonance. You can also look for repetitiveness of the same vowel in a short phrase or line. For instance, if you see "o" repeated several times, and they all have the same sound, than you are most likely using assonance.
For instance, take this passage by Edgar Allen Poe. "And so, all the night tide, I lie down by the side / Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride." The "i" sound that is used throughout the poem is also repeated in each word, showing a strong connection with the vowel sounds.
Expert Insight
For writers that are using assonance, be careful. It is important to stay balanced with this particular type of tool. If it is used too much, readers will pay attention to only the accented vowel sounds and not what is being said. However, if it is not used enough or in the right places, it won't accent the words that you are focusing on.
It is also important to never compromise the writing for the use of assonance. If you have a word or set of words that you want to use, but there is a problem with the assonance, choose the word over the rhyme. A strong word accents itself so the point can be made, even without a vowel rhyme.
