Introduction
Have you ever found yourself tapping along to a catchy tune and wondering, What makes these lyrics so memorable? Literary devices play a significant role in making music resonate with us. But do you or your students know the difference between consonance and alliteration? Let's dive into the world of song lyrics to uncover the magic behind these terms.
What is Alliteration?
Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound or letter usually at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. For instance, the song "We Will Rock You" by Queen uses the line "Buddy, you're a boy, make a big noise," where the "B" sound is repeated. The usage of alliteration lends a rhythmic and poetic texture to the lyrics, making them more engaging.
What is Consonance?
Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds and can occur at any position in a word. In my teaching days, I had to make an exception to my "No Journey" car-ride rule for the sake of illustrating how well Journey's songs showcase literary devices like alliteration and consonance. For example, the first line of "Don't Stop Believin'" features both types: "Just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world." The repeated "l" sounds in "small," "lonely," and "world" exemplify consonance, which harmonizes with the alliteration in "living" and "lonely." (If you haven't got around to teaching consonance yet, here's a handy resource to help you do it.) What is Assonance?
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words. It adds a musical quality to language and can create a pleasing rhythm. For example, consider the line from Eminem's "Lose Yourself" - "Illuminate the room and humans soon become aluminum." The repeated short "u" and long "o" sounds showcase assonance, contributing to the melodic flow of the lyric.
Examples in Popular Music
There are countless other examples in popular music. Here are a few that make it clear:
"Good girl, gone bad" (Rihanna) – Alliteration on the 'g' sound.
"Berlin, Bay of Pigs invasion" (Billy Joel) – Consonance on the 'n' and 's' sounds.
"For what it's worth it was worth all the while" (Green Day) – Internal alliteration on the 'w' sound.
Why Do Songwriters Use These Devices?
Using literary devices like alliteration and consonance adds a layer of depth and emotion to song lyrics. They not only make lyrics catchy but also provide an emotional and auditory experience that plain words cannot.
Practical Application
Understanding these literary devices has more than just academic value. It allows students to appreciate music on a deeper level and can also be a fun way to engage with English literature and language lessons.
Special Offer: Free Alliteration Resource!
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Conclusion
Understanding these devices offers more than academic benefits; it opens up a deeper appreciation of music and provides a richer context for engaging with language and literature. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a student of English, the nuances of alliteration and consonance add layers of meaning to the words we encounter every day.
Resources
Want to dive deeper into understanding these fascinating literary devices? Check out my other in-depth educational resources - - hyperbole, idioms, and figures of speech - on TPT.