Example Of A Internal Rhyme

The Sweet Sound of Internal Rhyme: Examples and Exploration

Internal rhyme, a delightful device often overlooked in discussions of poetry and song, adds a subtle yet powerful musicality to written and spoken word. Understanding its nuances can unlock a deeper appreciation for the artistry of language. This article delves into the world of internal rhyme, providing numerous examples across various styles and demonstrating its impact on rhythm, meaning, and overall effect. We'll explore different types of internal rhyme, discuss its usage in famous works, and answer frequently asked questions. By the end, you'll be equipped to identify and appreciate internal rhyme wherever you encounter it.

What is Internal Rhyme? A Definition and Differentiation

Internal rhyme, unlike end rhyme (where the rhyming words appear at the end of lines), occurs within a single line of verse. It involves the repetition of similar sounds within the same line, creating a pleasing echo effect. This echoing can be perfect (identical sounds) or slant (near rhymes, also known as half rhymes or imperfect rhymes), depending on the poet's intention and the level of desired sonic impact. For example, in the line "The cat sat on the mat," "cat" and "mat" are perfect internal rhymes. In contrast, "The moon shone on the spoon," while close, constitutes a slant rhyme due to the slight difference in vowel sounds.

Examples of Internal Rhyme: A Diverse Collection

Let's examine a range of examples to illustrate the versatility of internal rhyme:

1. Simple and Perfect Rhymes:

• "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew." (Coleridge) - "blew" and "flew" create a strong, simple internal rhyme.
• "He watches from his mountain walls, And like a thunderbolt he falls." - "walls" and "falls" are perfectly rhymed within the same line.
• "All day long I’ve been singing a song." – The words "singing" and "song" represent a straightforward example.

2. Slant or Near Rhymes:

• "The silent night, and the stars burn bright." – "night" and "bright" create a near rhyme, enhancing the feeling of subtle connection.
• "He climbed the tall, dark, stony hill." – While not a perfect rhyme, the soft sound similarity of "tall" and "hill" offers a subtle musicality.
• "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain." – While often quoted for its alliteration, it also features a near internal rhyme with "Spain" and "plain."

3. Internal Rhymes in Longer Lines:

Internal rhyme is particularly effective in longer lines, creating a more complex and interesting rhythm:

• "The rain falls softly on the roofs of houses in the village below." – "softly" and "houses" provide a subtly satisfying internal echo, breaking up the rhythm of the line.
• "While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping." - Edgar Allan Poe masterfully uses internal rhyme here, building suspense and rhythm. The similar sounds of "nodded" and "napping" draw your ear, creating a sense of drowsiness before the action explodes in.

4. Internal Rhymes in Different Poetic Forms:

Internal rhyme isn't limited to specific poetic forms. It can be found in sonnets, free verse, and even limericks:

• Sonnet: "To ease his mind and cure his discontent" – This would fit into a sonnet, the internal rhyme between "mind" and "cure" enhancing the overall structure and rhythm.
• Free Verse: "The city sleeps, a concrete deep, where shadows creep." - The freedom of free verse allows for more unexpected and creative use of internal rhymes.
• Limerick: "There once was a fellow named Kyle, Whose stories would always beguile. With each twist and each turn, A lesson we’d learn, His tales always made us smile." – While limericks primarily use end rhymes, internal rhyme can add depth.

The Effect of Internal Rhyme: More Than Just Sound

Internal rhyme offers more than just aural pleasure. Its strategic placement impacts:

• Rhythm and Pace: Internal rhymes can speed up or slow down the pace of a line, depending on the placement and type of rhyme. Closely placed rhymes often create a faster pace, whereas more spaced-out rhymes can create a more languid feel.

• Emphasis and Focus: By highlighting specific words through internal rhyme, poets can draw the reader's attention to key images, ideas, or emotions. The repeated sound draws attention and underscores the meaning associated with that word.

• Memorability: The musicality of internal rhyme makes lines more memorable. The echoing effect makes lines stick in the mind more easily than lines without internal rhyme.

• Mood and Atmosphere: The type of rhyme (perfect or slant) influences the mood. Perfect rhymes can create a sense of order and completeness, while slant rhymes might evoke a feeling of uncertainty or ambiguity.

• Unity and Coherence: Internal rhymes can unify disparate elements within a line or stanza, creating a feeling of cohesion and overall harmony in the piece.

Internal Rhyme in Famous Works: Case Studies

Many renowned poets and songwriters utilize internal rhyme effectively:

• Edgar Allan Poe: A master of sound devices, Poe uses internal rhyme extensively in poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" to create a haunting and memorable atmosphere. The repetition of sounds contributes significantly to the overall effect of dread and mystery.

• Robert Frost: Although known for his mastery of end rhyme, Frost subtly employs internal rhyme in his works, enhancing the natural rhythm and flow of his language. His use is often more understated, subtly weaving the device into his lines.

• Shakespeare: While his sonnets famously utilize end rhyme, internal rhymes appear throughout his works, enhancing the dramatic impact and strengthening characterizations through rhythm and stress placement.

• Popular Music: Many popular songs cleverly incorporate internal rhyme to improve the flow and memorability. Rap music, in particular, is a masterful showcase for internal rhyme in its various forms.

Different Types and Techniques of Internal Rhyme

Exploring the different ways internal rhyme can manifest helps to expand our understanding:

• Masculine Rhyme: This type focuses on the rhyming of the stressed final syllable. (e.g., "delight" and "tonight")

• Feminine Rhyme: This involves the rhyme of the stressed syllable and at least one unstressed syllable following it. (e.g., "flowing" and "going")

• Eye Rhyme: These are words that appear to rhyme due to their similar spelling but are not actually pronounced the same. (e.g., "love" and "move") Eye rhymes can sometimes be used strategically to enhance the visual appeal of the text.

• Triple Internal Rhyme: Employing three or more words within the same line that rhyme. (This is a very challenging and less frequent but highly effective technique).

• Combined Internal and End Rhyme: Internal rhyme can work in tandem with end rhyme for a more layered effect, enhancing the overall musicality and structure of a poem or song.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is internal rhyme essential for good poetry?

A: No, internal rhyme is a stylistic device, not a requirement. Many excellent poems exist without it. Its presence, however, can significantly enhance a poem's impact.

Q: How can I identify internal rhyme in a poem?

A: Read the poem aloud. Pay close attention to the sounds of words within each line. Repeated sounds, whether perfect or near rhymes, indicate the presence of internal rhyme.

Q: How can I use internal rhyme in my own writing?

A: Experiment! Start by identifying naturally occurring rhymes within your writing. Then, consciously try to incorporate them into your lines to see how they affect the rhythm and meaning.

Q: Is internal rhyme only used in poetry?

A: No, internal rhyme is also commonly used in songwriting, rap, and even prose to enhance the rhythm and flow of the text.

Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Musicality

Internal rhyme, though often a subtle device, plays a significant role in shaping the aesthetic impact of literature and music. Its mastery lies not just in its technical application, but in its effective use to enhance meaning, rhythm, and memorability. By understanding its mechanics and appreciating its multifaceted effects, we can unlock a deeper appreciation for the artistry and musicality woven into the fabric of language. Whether consciously employed or occurring organically, internal rhyme adds a layer of complexity and beauty that elevates the written or spoken word, leaving a lasting impression on the listener or reader. The more we listen for these echoes within language, the more we can marvel at the richness and ingenuity of its expression.