Examples Of Assonance In The Raven

Examples of Assonance in "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: A Deep Dive into Poetic Sound

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" is a masterpiece of sound and atmosphere, renowned for its haunting melody and chilling effect. A key element contributing to this immersive experience is Poe's masterful use of assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words or syllables, often close together. This article will delve into numerous examples of assonance in "The Raven," exploring how Poe strategically employs this literary device to enhance the poem's mood, rhythm, and overall impact. We'll analyze the specific vowel sounds, their placement, and the resulting emotional and auditory effects.

Understanding Assonance in Poetry

Before we explore the specifics of "The Raven," let's briefly define assonance. It's a powerful tool that poets use to create internal rhyme, musicality, and a sense of unity within a line or stanza. Unlike perfect rhyme, which involves the repetition of identical vowel and consonant sounds, assonance focuses solely on the repetition of vowel sounds. This repetition can be subtle or pronounced, depending on the poet's intention. The effect is often one of heightened emotional intensity or a sense of dreamy, almost hypnotic rhythm.

In "The Raven," Poe’s use of assonance isn't merely decorative; it's deeply intertwined with the poem's themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural. The repeated vowel sounds subtly mirror the narrator's emotional turmoil and the poem's overall atmosphere of despair.

Analyzing the Assonance in Specific Stanzas

Let's now move on to analyzing specific stanzas and lines from "The Raven," highlighting the assonance and explaining its effect:

Stanza 1: Establishing the Mournful Tone

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— When the fire is dying embers, and my soul was growing colder,

Notice the repetition of the short "e" sound in "dreary," "weary," and "over." This creates a sense of weariness and melancholy, immediately establishing the poem's somber tone. The repetition of the "o" sound in "pondered," "over," "volume," "forgotten," and "lore" further enhances this feeling. These sounds are soft and somewhat drawn-out, contributing to the poem's slow, deliberate pace. The "o" sounds specifically seem to evoke a sense of vast emptiness, mirroring the narrator's emotional state.

Stanza 2: Building Suspense and Anxiety

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,

The short "e" sound in "peering," "there," "fearing," and "dreaming" again creates a sense of unease and anxiety. This is further amplified by the repeated long "o" sound in "wondering," "before," "darkness," and "token," echoing the vastness and mystery of the night. The assonance here is more pronounced, mirroring the intensifying suspense as the narrator anticipates something unknown.

Stanza 3: The Arrival of the Raven – Heightened Tension

And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating

The repetition of the "u" sound in "purple," "curtain," "uncertain," "rustling," and "thrilled" contributes to a sense of unease and almost unsettling mystery. The sound is somewhat muted, but its repetition intensifies the description of the mysterious rustling sounds, increasing the reader's anxiety alongside the narrator. The assonance in "fantastic terrors never felt before" reinforces the narrator's growing fear and the poem's overall dark atmosphere.

Stanza 4: The Raven Speaks – Despair and Acceptance

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil!— Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore, Desolate, yet all undaunted, on this night of dread, uncharted—"

The repetition of the long "o" sound in "Prophet," "prophet," "tossed," "shor," "desolate" creates a feeling of doom and despair. The emphasis on this sound, repeated frequently in this stanza, underscores the narrator's recognition of the Raven's ominous nature and the inescapable weight of his grief. The drawn-out nature of the "o" sound emphasizes the slow, agonizing acceptance of his fate.

Stanza 5-18: Continuing Patterns and Intensification

The pattern of assonance continues throughout the remaining stanzas, although the specific vowel sounds and their frequency vary. Poe skillfully utilizes different vowel sounds to subtly shift the mood and intensity while maintaining the overall sense of melancholy and foreboding. For example:

• Short "i" sounds: Often used to suggest a sense of quickness, urgency, or even nervous energy, highlighting moments of sharp questioning or sudden realization.
• Long "a" sounds: Contribute to a sense of grandeur, but in the context of the poem, often take on a sorrowful or even mournful tone.
• Short "u" and "o" sounds: Frequently used to portray a feeling of mystery, darkness, and the unknown, mirroring the narrator's descent into despair.

The consistent use of assonance throughout the poem allows for a seamless transition between these moods, guiding the reader through the narrator's emotional journey. The subtlety of the technique means the reader is often subconsciously drawn into the poem's dark atmosphere before fully recognizing the device's effect.

The Overall Effect of Assonance in "The Raven"

Poe's skillful use of assonance in "The Raven" is not just a stylistic choice; it's integral to the poem's power and impact. The strategic repetition of vowel sounds serves multiple purposes:

• Creates a Musicality: The assonance contributes to the poem's rhythmic flow and memorable quality. The sounds resonate in the reader's mind, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.
• Reinforces the Themes: The chosen vowel sounds often reflect the emotional landscape of the poem. The somber, drawn-out sounds mirror the narrator's grief and despair, while more urgent sounds intensify moments of heightened tension or sudden realization.
• Enhances Atmosphere: The repetition of sounds creates a pervasive mood that immerses the reader in the poem's dark and mysterious atmosphere. This helps build suspense and contribute to the overall chilling effect.
• Subtlety and Impact: The use of assonance is often subtle, working on a subconscious level to amplify the emotional impact of the poem. The reader might not consciously notice the repeated sounds, yet they still influence their overall perception and experience.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Poetic Sound

"The Raven" stands as a testament to the power of poetic devices to shape meaning and enhance emotional impact. Poe's masterful use of assonance, alongside other techniques like alliteration and internal rhyme, contributes significantly to the poem's lasting appeal. By understanding the role of assonance in shaping the poem's soundscape, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and enduring power of this literary masterpiece. The repetition of vowel sounds isn't merely decorative; it's a vital component of the poem's overall effect, creating a chilling and unforgettable reading experience for generations of readers. It underscores the lasting influence of well-crafted sounds in creating evocative and emotionally resonant poetry.