What is sibilance?

Sibilance is a powerful tool in the creative writer's arsenal, adding an extra layer of meaning and texture to any piece of writing. Sibilance is the hissing sound produced by the S, SH, CH, and Z consonants. When used deliberately and effectively, sibilance can create a range of effects, from evoking a sense of danger or seduction to simply adding a pleasing musicality to the language.

Consider the impact of the sibilant repetition in Shakespeare's famous line from Julius Caesar: 'The serpent that did sting thy father's life / Now wears his crown.' The repeated 's' sound creates a sense of danger and foreboding, adding to the weight of the words. Similarly, in Sylvia Plath's poem 'Daddy,' the repeated 's' and 'c' sounds in the description of the narrator's 'black shoe' and 'Auschwitz, Dachau, Belsen' add to the sense of oppression and horror.

However, it's important to use sibilance judiciously. Too much of it can become grating to the ear and distract from the content of the writing. Rather, use sibilance selectively and intentionally to add layers of meaning and sonic pleasure to your writing.