End rhyme

Definition

End rhyme is a poetic device where the final words of two or more lines in a poem have similar sounds. This technique creates a musical quality and helps to establish patterns within the poem. By connecting lines through rhyme, poets can enhance the flow, emphasize particular themes or emotions, and engage readers through auditory appeal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. End rhyme can be categorized into various types, including perfect rhyme, where the sounds match exactly, and imperfect rhyme, which allows for slight variations.
2. This device can also play a role in reinforcing a poem's overall structure by creating expectations for the reader about how lines will connect.
3. End rhyme is often found in traditional forms of poetry, such as sonnets and ballads, but can also be used in free verse for creative effect.
4. Poets may choose specific end rhymes to enhance imagery or evoke certain feelings that align with the content of the poem.
5. The use of end rhyme can influence the pacing of a poem, often encouraging readers to move quickly through lines or linger on those that surprise with unexpected sounds.

Review Questions

• How does end rhyme contribute to the overall structure and flow of a poem?
  • End rhyme contributes significantly to a poem's structure by creating rhythmic patterns that guide the reader's experience. By establishing a predictable sound scheme, it enhances the musical quality and flow of the poem. Additionally, it connects lines and ideas, helping to unify the work and emphasize key themes or emotions that resonate throughout.
• Compare and contrast end rhyme with internal rhyme in terms of their effects on poetic rhythm and meaning.
  • End rhyme occurs at the conclusion of lines, while internal rhyme takes place within a single line. Both techniques enhance rhythm but do so in different ways: end rhyme provides a more conclusive feeling at the end of thoughts, while internal rhyme adds complexity and speed within a line. Together, they can create intricate sound patterns that enrich the reading experience and deepen the poem's meaning.
• Evaluate the impact of using slant rhyme instead of perfect end rhyme on a poet's thematic expression.
  • Using slant rhyme instead of perfect end rhyme allows poets to create tension and ambiguity in their work. This choice can evoke complex emotions and enhance thematic expression by suggesting connections that aren't immediately obvious. The subtlety of slant rhyme invites readers to engage more deeply with the text, as they explore layers of meaning and sound relationships that challenge conventional expectations of rhyming poetry.

Related terms

internal rhyme: A rhyme that occurs within a single line of poetry, rather than at the end of lines.

slant rhyme: A type of rhyme where the sounds are similar but not exact, creating a more subtle connection between words.

rhyme scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often designated by letters to show which lines rhyme with each other.