8 Poems With Assonance That Improve Reading

The enchanting realm of poetry, where words dance and rhythms sing. Assonance, a literary device that adds musicality to language, is a key element in creating captivating poems. In this article, we will delve into the world of assonance and explore eight poems that not only showcase this device but also enhance the reading experience.

Introduction to Assonance

Before we embark on this poetic journey, let’s define assonance. Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close together, often used in poetry to create a musical or rhythmic effect. This literary device can add depth, emotion, and complexity to a poem, making it more engaging and immersive for the reader.

Poem 1: “The Rainy Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Longfellow’s “The Rainy Day” is a beautiful example of assonance in poetry. The repetition of the “ay” sound in “rainy” and “day” creates a sense of melancholy and introspection, perfect for a poem that explores the themes of sorrow and reminiscence.

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

Poem 2: “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s “The Bells” is a masterclass in assonance, with the repetition of the “ell” sound creating a sense of urgency and chaos. The poem explores the different sounds that bells can make and the emotions they evoke, from the tinkling of sleigh bells to the tolling of funeral bells.

Hear the sledges with the bells—
Silver bells!
What a world of merriment their melody foretells!

Poem 3: “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot

Eliot’s modernist masterpiece is a prime example of assonance in contemporary poetry. The repetition of the “o” sound in “do” and “go” creates a sense of indecision and uncertainty, mirroring the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:

Poem 4: “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Tennyson’s classic poem is a beautiful example of assonance, with the repetition of the “ee” sound in “Shalott” and “sleeve” creating a sense of lyricality and musicality. The poem tells the story of a lady who lives in a tower on an island, weaving a web of illusions and fate.

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.

Poem 5: “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas

Thomas’s powerful villanelle is a prime example of assonance, with the repetition of the “ight” sound in “night” and “light” creating a sense of urgency and defiance. The poem is a passionate plea to the speaker’s father to resist the inevitability of death.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Poem 6: “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes

Noyes’s narrative poem is a classic example of assonance, with the repetition of the “ay” sound in “highway” and “way” creating a sense of rhythm and momentum. The poem tells the story of a highwayman who falls in love with a landlord’s daughter, with tragic consequences.

The moon was a ghostly galleon
Tossed upon cloudy seas,
The road was a ribbon of moonlight
Over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding—
Riding—riding!
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.

Poem 7: “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s beautiful and haunting poem is a prime example of assonance, with the repetition of the “ee” sound in “Lee” and “sea” creating a sense of musicality and longing. The poem tells the story of a love that was lost too soon, and the speaker’s enduring grief.

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

Poem 8: “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Coleridge’s surreal and dreamlike poem is a classic example of assonance, with the repetition of the “u” sound in “Kubla” and “cube” creating a sense of wonder and enchantment. The poem explores the themes of creativity, imagination, and the power of the human mind.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
With walls and towers were girdled round:
And here were gardens bright with sinuous rills,
Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;
And here were forests ancient as the hills,
Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

Conclusion

Assonance is a powerful literary device that can add depth, emotion, and complexity to a poem. The eight poems we’ve explored in this article showcase the versatility and effectiveness of assonance, from the melancholy of Longfellow’s “The Rainy Day” to the urgency of Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”. By incorporating assonance into their work, poets can create a richer, more immersive reading experience that engages and resonates with readers.

FAQs

In conclusion, assonance is a powerful tool in the poet’s arsenal, capable of adding depth, emotion, and complexity to a poem. By exploring the eight poems showcased in this article, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of assonance and its ability to enhance the reading experience. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a curious reader, the world of assonance is sure to enchant and inspire.