Poems That Use Consonance

The Sweet Sound of Consonance: Exploring Poems that Use Repeated Consonant Sounds

Consonance, a powerful tool in a poet's arsenal, refers to the repetition of consonant sounds within a line or sentence, particularly at the end of words. Unlike rhyme, which focuses on vowel sounds, consonance creates a subtle but impactful musicality, adding texture and depth to a poem. This article delves into the art of consonance, exploring its effect on rhythm, mood, and overall meaning, while showcasing examples from various poems and poetic styles. Understanding consonance will not only enhance your appreciation of poetry but also empower you to analyze and even create your own captivating verses.

Understanding Consonance: More Than Just a Repetition

At its core, consonance is the recurrence of similar consonant sounds—not necessarily identical—within close proximity. It's about the sound rather than the exact spelling. For example, the "p" sound in "pitter-patter" is a clear instance of consonance. The repetition doesn't need to be perfect; a soft "p" sound next to a harder "b" sound can still create a sense of consonance, depending on the context. This subtle variation is what gives consonance its versatility. It can be used to create a gentle, flowing effect or a more forceful, insistent rhythm, depending on the poet's intention.

Consonance differs significantly from alliteration, which involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds (e.g., "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"). While both devices employ consonant repetition, alliteration is more noticeable and often used for emphasis or to create a memorable phrase, whereas consonance creates a subtler, more interwoven musicality. Consider it a quieter, more nuanced cousin to alliteration.

The Effect of Consonance on Poetry

The effect of consonance on a poem is multifaceted. It can:

• Enhance rhythm and meter: The repetition of consonant sounds can create a rhythmic pattern that complements the poem's meter, making it more pleasing to the ear. Think of the lilting quality created by the repeated "s" sounds in certain poems.

• Create a mood or atmosphere: The type of consonant sounds repeated can evoke specific feelings. Harsh sounds like "k" or "g" might create a sense of tension or unease, while softer sounds like "l" or "m" might produce a calming or dreamy effect. This is intricately linked with the overall tone and imagery presented.

• Emphasize specific words or phrases: By strategically placing consonant repetition near crucial words, a poet can draw attention to them, highlighting their significance within the poem's narrative or thematic structure.

• Unify the poem: Consistent use of consonance can bind different parts of the poem together, creating a sense of cohesion and coherence, even across stanzas or sections.

• Add depth and complexity: The subtle nature of consonance adds layers of meaning and musicality that might not be immediately apparent but which contribute to the overall richness and depth of the poetic experience.

Examples of Consonance in Famous Poems

Let's examine some specific examples of consonance in well-known poems to understand its practical application:

1. "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe:

Poe, a master of sound and rhythm, masterfully employs consonance throughout "The Raven." Consider the line:

"While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,"

The repetition of the "n" sound and the "p" sound creates a subtly hypnotic rhythm, perfectly mirroring the speaker's drowsy state and the growing sense of unease. The alliterative "t" sounds further enhance the effect, blending with the consonance to create a rich sonic tapestry.

2. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost:

Frost's poem demonstrates the use of consonance to create a calming, contemplative mood. Observe the line:

"Whose woods these are I think I know."

The repetition of the "w" sound and the "k" sound gives this line a quiet, introspective feel, perfectly reflecting the poem's theme of contemplation and the peaceful beauty of the snowy landscape. The gentle 's' sounds further enhance the soft, flowing rhythm.

3. "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot:

Eliot, known for his complex and modernist style, uses consonance to convey a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. Consider this excerpt:

"Let us go then, you and I, / When the evening is spread out against the sky / Like a patient etherized upon a table."

The repeated "s" sound in the last line contributes to the feeling of paralysis and passivity, underlining the speaker's sense of helplessness. The consonance creates a sense of unease subtly interwoven within the poem's overall structure.

4. Sonnets by Shakespeare:

Shakespeare’s sonnets frequently utilize consonance, often in combination with other poetic devices, to create a rich sonic experience. The iambic pentameter structure already provides a rhythmic base, and the consonance adds layers of subtle musicality. While identifying specific instances requires a detailed line-by-line analysis, focusing on the repeated consonant sounds within individual lines reveals the subtle artistry of his work.

Identifying Consonance in Your Own Analysis

Analyzing consonance requires a keen ear and careful attention to the sounds within a poem. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Read the poem aloud: This is crucial. Reading aloud allows you to hear the sounds more clearly and to identify patterns of repeated consonant sounds.

2. Focus on the end of words: While consonance can occur anywhere in a line, it's often more noticeable at the end of words.

3. Look for similar, not necessarily identical, sounds: Remember, consonance isn't about perfect matches; it's about the similarity of sounds.

4. Consider the effect of the consonance: Once you've identified instances of consonance, consider how it contributes to the poem's rhythm, mood, and overall meaning.

5. Note the type of consonant sounds: Are they hard or soft sounds? Do they create a sense of tension or calmness?

Consonance and Other Poetic Devices

Consonance often works in conjunction with other poetic devices to enhance its effect. It frequently appears alongside:

• Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds. Combined with consonance, assonance creates a richer, more complex musicality.

• Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds. As discussed earlier, this combination can significantly amplify the impact.

• Rhyme: While distinct, consonance can complement rhyme, adding an extra layer of sonic interest beyond the rhyming scheme.

• Rhythm and Meter: Consonance directly impacts the rhythm and meter, subtly shaping the flow and feel of the poem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is consonance important in modern poetry?

A: While perhaps not as overtly emphasized as in earlier poetic eras, consonance remains a crucial element in shaping the sonic texture and overall impact of modern poetry. Even if not consciously employed, it naturally occurs and influences the reader’s experience.

Q: How can I use consonance in my own writing?

A: Start by listening to the sounds of your words. Experiment with rearranging words to create pleasing consonant combinations. Read your work aloud to hear how the sounds work together. Don't force it; natural-sounding consonance is more effective than contrived repetition.

Q: Is there a "rule" for how much consonance should be used in a poem?

A: There's no strict rule. The effective use of consonance depends on the poem's style, mood, and the poet's intention. Too much can sound forced, while too little might lack the desired sonic richness. The key is balance and subtlety.

Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Poetic Music

Consonance, although often overlooked, plays a vital role in shaping the aesthetic and emotional impact of a poem. Its subtle repetition of consonant sounds creates a musicality that enhances rhythm, mood, and meaning. By understanding and appreciating consonance, we can unlock a deeper understanding and appreciation of the poet's craft, adding a new dimension to our engagement with poetry. From the haunting sounds of Poe to the contemplative tones of Frost, the skillful use of consonance elevates a poem from a simple sequence of words to a captivating sonic experience. By learning to identify and analyze consonance, you’ll not only enhance your appreciation of existing poetry but also equip yourself with a valuable tool to enrich your own creative writing.