French Literary Devices: Alliteration and Assonance

What are Alliteration and Assonance?

In French literature, these devices create rhythm and musicality. Alliteration repeats consonant sounds, while assonance repeats vowel sounds.

Alliteration (Allitération)

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning or within words.

Classic Examples:

1. "Pour qui sont ces serpents qui sifflent sur vos têtes?"

• Famous line by Racine
• Repeats 's' sounds
• Creates a hissing effect matching the serpent theme

2. "Les poissons du fleuve flottent"

• Repeats 'f' sounds
• Creates a flowing effect like water

Modern Usage:

1. "Pierre pense pouvoir partir"

• Repeats 'p' sounds
• Common in tongue twisters

2. "Les larmes lentes de la lune"

• Repeats 'l' sounds
• Creates a liquid, flowing effect

Assonance (Assonance)

The repetition of vowel sounds within words.

Classic Examples:

1. "Il pleure dans mon cœur comme il pleut sur la ville"

• Verlaine's famous line
• Repeats 'eu' sound
• Creates melancholic atmosphere

2. "Blanc, blanc, blanc comme un lys"

• Repeats 'an' sound
• Emphasizes whiteness through sound

Modern Usage:

1. "La flamme dame dans l'âme"

• Repeats 'a' sound
• Creates rhythmic effect

2. "Une belle journée ensoleillée"

• Repeats 'é' sound
• Brightens the phrase sonically

Combining Both Devices

1. "Les sanglots longs des violons"

• Combines 'on' assonance with 'l' alliteration
• Creates musical quality

2. "Douce dame digne"

• Combines 'd' alliteration with 'ou' assonance
• Creates gentle rhythm

Tips for Recognition

• Listen for repeated sounds
• Read text aloud
• Notice emotional effects
• Consider sound symbolism

Literary Impact

• Creates musicality
• Reinforces meaning
• Aids memorability
• Builds atmosphere

These devices work differently in French than in English due to French pronunciation rules and silent letters.