Assonance: 5 Examples to Understand Vowel Repetition

Published on 23 April 2025 5 min read

What is assonance?
How assonance works
Example 1 of assonance
Example 2 of assonance
Example 3 of assonance
Example 4 of assonance
Example 5 of assonance

Sometimes, we find a certain charm in the repetitive sound of vowels when we read poetry or listen to song lyrics. It's like an invisible string that weaves the words together, creating a rhythm and a musicality that's pleasing to the ear. This magic trick is called assonance, and it's a tool often used by writers and poets to make their work more engaging. In this blog post, we'll explain the assonance definition and provide you with five examples to help you understand how this vowel repetition works.

What is assonance?

Assonance, simply put, is when the same vowel sound occurs repeatedly in a line or lines of poetry—typically in non-rhyming words. This repetition can happen at the beginning, middle, or end of the word, but it's usually most noticeable when it's in the stressed syllables. For example, the phrase "Go slow over the road" has assonance because of the repeated 'o' sounds.

When we look for the assonance definition, we find that it is the repetition of sounds rather than just letters. It's not about seeing the same vowel again and again in a paragraph. Instead, it's about hearing the same sound echo throughout the lines. This makes writing with assonance a bit more intricate than it might seem at first.

Assonance can do wonders in a piece of writing. It can create a rhythm, set a mood, and even emphasize certain points or themes. It's like the secret sauce that can make a good poem great. So, next time you read a poem or listen to a song, see if you can spot the assonance. You'd be surprised how often it's used once you know what to look for!

How assonance works

Now that we've established the assonance definition, let's talk about how it actually works. The magic of assonance lies in the sounds, not the letters. Remember, it’s all about the vowels! So, the key to assonance is focusing on how words sound, not how they're spelled.

For instance, the words 'cat' and 'black' have the same 'a' sound, even though one is at the start of the word and the other is in the middle. This 'a' sound could be used in a sentence to create assonance, such as "The black cat sat on a mat."

It's also important to note that assonance often works best when it's subtle. If you repeat the same sound too often, it can become repetitive and lose its effect. The goal is to create a rhythm that enhances the overall reading or listening experience, not to distract the reader or listener with too many repeated sounds.

Assonance is not just for poets and songwriters. Even if you're writing a blog post, a short story, or a novel, you can use assonance to make your writing more engaging. It's a tool that, when used wisely, can add a whole new dimension to your work.

So, now that you know how assonance works, are you ready to see some examples in action? Let's dive in!

Example 1 of assonance

Let's kick things off with an example from a beloved children's book, "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. Check out this line:

"I am Sam. Sam I am."

Notice anything? That's right, the repetition of the 'a' sound in 'Sam' and 'am' is an excellent example of assonance. The repeated sound creates a rhythm, making the line catchy and memorable — a trademark of Dr. Seuss's writing style.

Remember, assonance is all about the sound, not the spelling. So, even though 'Sam' and 'am' don't look similar, the 'a' sound is what creates the assonance. It's a subtle technique, but it can make a big difference in how a sentence or phrase is perceived. So, next time you're reading a Dr. Seuss book, see if you can spot any more examples of assonance!

Example 2 of assonance

Now, let's dive into the world of music—specifically, the lyrics of songs. Ever wondered why some song lyrics seem to stick in your head? Well, assonance might play a part in that. Take this line from the Beatles' classic, "Let It Be":

"Whisper words of wisdom, let it be."

Did you catch the repeated 'i' sound in 'whisper', 'wisdom', and 'it'? That's assonance at work right there! The soft 'i' sound creates a calming rhythm, which fits perfectly with the soothing message of the song. It's a reminder of how powerful assonance can be in creating a certain mood or atmosphere.

So, next time you're listening to your favorite songs, try to listen out for assonance. You might be surprised at how often it comes up!

Example 3 of assonance

Now, let's explore the realm of literature. Famous authors have been using assonance for centuries to add a certain rhythm or mood to their prose. Remember "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe? If not, here's a refresher:

"And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain"

Notice the repetition of the 'uh' sound in 'uncertain', 'rustling', and 'purple'? That's assonance for you! It adds a rich, rhythmic quality to the line, enhancing the overall eerie atmosphere of the poem. The assonance definition fits seamlessly into Poe's writing style, making the language more expressive and impactful.

So, the next time you're reading your favorite book, see if you can spot this powerful literary device. Who knows, you might just find assonance hiding in plain sight!

Example 4 of assonance

Have you ever noticed the catchy vowel sounds in your favorite song lyrics? That's assonance at work! Let's take a look at a line from the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland:

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high"

Do you notice how the 'o' sound in 'over', 'rainbow', and 'somewhere' ties the line together? That's a perfect demonstration of the assonance definition. It gives the song a melodic flow, making it a joy for the ears.

So, the next time you are humming along to your favorite tune, remember: there's more to those lyrics than meets the eye (or should we say ear?). The assonance definition is a key part of making music enjoyable!

Example 5 of assonance

Moving on from music, let's shift our attention to a literary classic. Ever heard of a fellow named William Shakespeare? He was quite fond of using assonance in his works, believe it or not.

Take this line from his famous play, "Romeo and Juliet":

"It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."

See how the repeated 'e' sound in 'east' and 'Juliet' connects the two phrases? That's assonance in action! It's no wonder Shakespeare's dialogues have such a rhythmic feel to them.

So, there's your assonance definition in a nutshell. It's not just about repeating vowels—it's about creating a connection between words and adding a musical element to language. And as Shakespeare shows us, it can truly elevate the quality of a piece of writing!

If you enjoyed exploring the concept of assonance and want to dive deeper into the world of wordplay and poetry, we highly recommend checking out Celina Rodriguez's workshop, 'Wordplay.' This workshop will help you master the art of wordplay, providing you with even more tools and techniques to create captivating and memorable poetry.