What is Consonance?
Repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity.
Making Melodies with Consonance
Consonance is a delightful tool in a writer’s arsenal, where a pleasant-sounding string of consonants is woven into the text. By repeating certain sounds in close proximity, consonance can create a playful beat or a deep resonance, or can be used to underscore a mood in a way that just makes the words sound better.
The repetition might occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a word. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of sound, similar to the way a composer might use different instruments to achieve a symphony.
Consonance can add balance and unity to your writing, giving it a rhythmic undercurrent. It’s a device that can make your prose sing – just listen to the hum and buzz of the words as they come together in a melodious union.
Consonance has been used by writers throughout history to create memorable phrases and add to the sonic texture of their work. Check out these examples:
The classic children’s book Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss is full of examples of consonance, such as: “We like to hop on top of Pop. Stop! You must not hop on Pop!”
In Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe, the repetition of the “l” sound in the line, “The angels, not half so happy in heaven, / Went envying her and me” is a beautiful example of consonance.