Walt Whitman, the "Bard of Democracy," employed assonance extensively throughout his works, creating a rhythmic and melodious effect that resonated with his themes of unity, nature, and the common man. Here are some examples from his famous poems:
"Song of Myself"
* "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear" - The repeated "i" sound in "singing" and "I hear" emphasizes the joyous and diverse voices of America.
* "A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands" - The repetition of the short "a" sound in "grass," "said," and "hands" creates a sense of innocence and wonder.
* "I find I incorporate gneiss, coal, long-threaded moss, fruits, grains, esculent roots" - The "o" sound in "incorporate," "coal," "moss," "fruits," and "roots" links together the different elements of the natural world, highlighting their interconnectedness.
"O Captain! My Captain!"
* "O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done" - The repeated "o" sound in "O Captain," "our," and "done" creates a sense of solemnity and mourning.
* "The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won" - The repeated "e" sound in "weather'd," "every," and "won" highlights the triumph of the journey despite the hardships.
"When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd"
* "In the hush of the lilac's bloom, a low, drooping head" - The repeated "o" sound in "bloom," "low," and "drooping" creates a sense of melancholy and mourning.
* "The lilac with delicate-color'd bloom, and the tenderest touch" - The repetition of the short "u" sound in "bloom" and "touch" emphasizes the gentle beauty of the lilac flower.
"I Hear America Singing"
* "The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam" - The repetition of the short "i" sound in "singing," "his," and "he" creates a sense of rhythm and energy.
* "The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work" - The repeated "a" sound in "mason," "singing," "as," and "makes" emphasizes the commonality of human experience.
Beyond specific examples:
Whitman's poems often utilize assonance to create a sense of:
* Flow and movement: The repetition of vowel sounds can create a sense of momentum, mirroring the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life.
* Emotional resonance: Assonance can create a feeling of melancholy, joy, or solemnity, adding depth and nuance to the poem's emotional impact.
* Unity and interconnectedness: By linking words with similar vowel sounds, Whitman emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and the universe.
These are just a few examples of assonance in Walt Whitman's poetry. His skillful use of this literary device highlights his mastery of language and his ability to create a captivating and meaningful reading experience.