In previous posts we have learned about poetry by reading Emily Dickinson’s, “Tell the truth but tell is slant –.” In the first blog post, we discussed the meaning of the poem on a somewhat superficial level. This is a complex poem about which books have been written. In the second blog post, we discussed the form and meter of Dickinson’s poem. In the third blog post, we discussed rhyme scheme. Because rhyme scheme in this poem is somewhat difficult and requires more explanation, we decided to do a second blog post about Dickinson’s rhyme scheme in this poem.

 If you recall from yesterday, the rhyme scheme in Dickinson’s poem is ABCBDEFE. This means that greater emphasis falls on words like “lies” and “surprise” or “kind” and “blind.” These rhymes give the poem a sense of structure and consistency.

Notice that the odd-numbered lines do not form perfect rhymes. Is this a problem? No. Why? Because the ending words in the odd-numbered lines are connected through a term called, “consonance.” Consonance is a literary device and musical term. Consonance exists where there is a repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, usually at the end or middle of words. It is used to create rhythm, mood, or harmony in writing, particularly poetry writing.

The words at the end of odd-numbered lines do not appear to rhyme, but they are sonically connected through the use of “consonance.” Lines 1 and 3, for instance, end with the words “slant” and “Delight.” These words are connected the “l” and “t” sounds are present in both words (“slant” and “Delight”), i.e., consonance. Smilarly, lines 5 and 7 are connected through sounds in both words. Lines 5 and 7 both have the /ee/ sound (“eased” and “gradually”). This type of sonic connection of sounds is a literary device called assonance, that refers to the repetition of similar or identical vowel sounds within closely position words. Also know as “vowel rhyme,” assonance creates a rhythmic flow in writing used in poetry and song.

One last point about the rhyme scheme: the poem also contains an internal rhyme in line 3 using the words “bright” and “Delight.” This line draws our attention to these two words and suggests we should associate these two words. A lot of this works on a subconscious level, as well as a conscious level. The internal rhyme adds musicality to the line, I think?

Tomorrow we may discuss Emily Dickinson some more to understand this poem. Or perhaps something else. I hope you enjoyed this post. Please let me know if you would like too discuss this more in-depth or discuss something else. See you tomorrow!

Ben Crittenden

Anchorage, Alaska