Literary consonance

Literature is an art of language, and like any art, it thrives on the beauty of form and structure. As much as we celebrate the creativity and imagination of writers, we cannot ignore the technical aspects that make their writing remarkable – the sound, rhythm, and harmony of words that captivate our senses and emotions. One of these technical elements is literary consonance.

Simply put, consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds, particularly at the end of words or stressed syllables. Unlike alliteration, which repeats the initial sounds of words, consonance focuses on the final sounds, creating a subtle but effective musical effect. For example, in the sentence “The wind whistled and whispered in the wheat field,” the repeated “s” sound in “whistled” and “whispered” and the “t” sound in “wheat field” create a smooth and soothing melody that elevates the description of nature.

Consonance can add various effects to a piece of writing, depending on how it is used. For one, it can reinforce a mood or tone, such as in poetry where the sound of words is as crucial as their meaning. The use of consonance can create a sense of harmony or discord, depending on the writer’s intention. In the verse “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free,” from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” the repeated “f” sound highlights the swiftness and freedom of the ship’s movement, while also mirroring the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of the story.

Furthermore, consonance can also help to emphasize a particular idea or image, making it more memorable and vivid. For instance, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” the sentence “The lawn started at the beach and ran toward the front door for a quarter of a mile, jumping over sun-dials and brick walks and burning gardens” uses the repeated “t” and “k” sounds to accentuate the speed, distance, and extravagance of the lawn. By creating an aural picture of the scene, Fitzgerald enhances the reader’s visual perception and emotional reaction, heightening the impact of the words.

Literary consonance extends beyond poetry and prose style; it can also be found in slogans, catchphrases, and commercial jingles, which rely on the memorable and catchy repetition of sounds to attract attention and recognition. For example, the McDonald’s slogan “I’m lovin’ it” uses the repeated “n” sound to make the phrase sound more upbeat and friendly, matching the brand’s image of happiness and satisfaction.

However, like any writing technique, consonance must be used with care and moderation. Overusing it can create a monotonous and tedious effect, distracting from the meaning and context of the words. Thus, any writer must balance the aesthetic appeal of consonance with its functionality and appropriateness to the purpose and audience of their writing.

In conclusion, literary consonance is a subtle but significant tool of language that can add depth, beauty, and meaning to any piece of writing. By using it effectively, writers can enhance the sound, rhythm, and melody of their words, making them more memorable, impactful, and enjoyable to read. Whether in poetry or prose, advertising or literature, consonance reminds us of the power of language to move and inspire us, both intellectually and emotionally.