Skip to Content

Feminine Rhyme: A Literary Device That Elevates the Beauty of Poetry

Sharing is caring!

Feminine rhyme is a literary device that is used to create a rhythmic effect in poetry. It is characterized by an unstressed two-syllable rhyme followed by another unstressed syllable rhyme. This type of rhyme is often used in conjunction with stressed rhymes to give a poem a certain flow and musicality. Feminine rhyme is also known as double rhyme and is used extensively in poetry.

Feminine Rhyme: A Literary Device That Elevates the Beauty of Poetry 1

Definition of Feminine Rhyme

Feminine rhyme, also known as double rhyme, is a literary device that involves rhyming words that end with two or more unstressed syllables. This type of rhyme is commonly used in poetry and song lyrics. A feminine rhyme is created when the final syllables of two or more words sound the same, but the stress is on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable.

For example, the words “motion” and “ocean” are an example of a feminine rhyme because they both end with the same two unstressed syllables, “-tion” and “-sion,” respectively. Similarly, the words “willow” and “billow” are an example of feminine rhyme because they both end with the same two unstressed syllables, “-low.”

Feminine rhyme is often used to create a musical or lyrical effect in poetry and song lyrics. It can add a sense of flow and rhythm to a piece of writing, and can make it more memorable to the reader or listener.

Feminine rhyme can also be used to create a sense of playfulness or whimsy in a poem or song. For example, the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” uses feminine rhyme in the lines “Its fleece was white as snow / And everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go.”

In addition to double rhymes, there is also triple rhyme, which involves three syllables with the first syllable stressed and the last two unstressed. Triple rhyme is less common than feminine rhyme, but can be found in some poems and songs.

Overall, feminine rhyme is a useful tool for poets and songwriters to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in their writing. By using words with similar endings, writers can create a sense of unity and coherence in their work, and make it more enjoyable for readers or listeners.

History of Feminine Rhyme

Feminine rhyme, also known as double rhyme, is a literary device that has been used in poetry for centuries. It involves rhyming words that have two or more syllables, with the final syllables being unstressed. This type of rhyme is often associated with a soft, delicate, or feminine sound, hence the name.

The origins of feminine rhyme can be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin poetry, where it was used to create a sense of elegance and grace. In English poetry, feminine rhyme became popular during the Elizabethan era, with poets such as William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser using it extensively in their works.

During the Romantic period, poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge continued to use feminine rhyme, often to convey a sense of nostalgia or melancholy. In modern poetry, feminine rhyme is still used by many poets to create a musical or lyrical quality to their work.

One notable example of feminine rhyme can be found in the poem “London, 1802” by William Wordsworth:

Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. We are selfish men;
Oh! raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power.

In this excerpt, the words “dower” and “power” form a feminine rhyme, with the final syllable of each word being unstressed.

Feminine rhyme has also been used in popular culture, such as in the song “My Favorite Things” from the musical “The Sound of Music.” In the song, the words “mittens” and “kittens” form a feminine rhyme, contributing to the playful and whimsical tone of the lyrics.

Overall, feminine rhyme has a rich history in poetry and continues to be a popular device used by many poets today.

Types of Feminine Rhyme

Feminine rhyme is a literary device that involves two or more words having similar sounds at their endings, particularly the unstressed syllables. This literary device is often used in poetry to create a musical effect and rhythm. There are different types of feminine rhymes, including double, triple, and dactylic rhymes.

Double Rhyme

Double rhyme, also known as feminine rhyme, is a type of rhyme that involves two syllables, both of which are unstressed. This rhyme is often used in poetry to create a musical effect and to add emphasis to the words. Some examples of double rhymes include “motion” and “ocean,” “borrow” and “sorrow,” and “butter” and “clutter.”

Triple Rhyme

Triple rhyme, also known as trisyllabic rhyme, is a type of feminine rhyme that involves three syllables, all of which are unstressed. This type of rhyme is often used in poetry to create a musical effect and to add emphasis to the words. Examples of triple rhymes include “exciting” and “inviting,” “merrily” and “verily,” and “trembling” and “assembling.”

Dactylic Rhyme

Dactylic rhyme, also known as dactylic tetrameter, is a type of feminine rhyme that involves four syllables, with the first syllable being stressed and the next three syllables being unstressed. This type of rhyme is often used in poetry to create a musical effect and to add emphasis to the words. Examples of dactylic rhymes include “poetry” and “notoriety,” “elephant” and “relevant,” and “difficult” and “incredible.”

In summary, feminine rhyme is a literary device that is often used in poetry to create a musical effect and rhythm. There are different types of feminine rhymes, including double, triple, and dactylic rhymes. Each type of rhyme involves a different number of syllables and can be used to add emphasis to the words and create a unique musical effect.

Usage in Poetry

Feminine rhyme is a literary device that has been used in poetry for centuries. It is a type of rhyme that occurs when the last two syllables of two or more words rhyme, but the stress is on the second-to-last syllable.

One of the most common uses of feminine rhyme is in sonnets. Sonnets typically have a rhyme scheme that follows the pattern ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The last two lines of a sonnet, known as the couplet, often use feminine rhyme. This is because the feminine rhyme creates a sense of resolution and finality, which is perfect for concluding a poem.

Feminine rhyme can also be used to create a sense of softness and gentleness in a poem. This is because the unstressed syllables in a feminine rhyme create a more melodic sound, which can be used to convey a sense of calmness or tranquility. For example, consider the following lines from John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale”:

“Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget
What thou among the leaves hast never known,
The weariness, the fever, and the fret
Here, where men sit and hear each other groan;
Where palsy shakes a few, sad, last gray hairs,
Where youth grows pale, and spectre-thin, and dies;
Where but to think is to be full of sorrow
And leaden-eyed despairs,
Where Beauty cannot keep her lustrous eyes,
Or new Love pine at them beyond to-morrow.”

In these lines, the feminine rhyme creates a sense of melancholy and beauty, which is perfect for the subject matter of the poem.

Finally, feminine rhyme can be used to create a sense of playfulness or whimsy in a poem. This is because the unstressed syllables in a feminine rhyme can be used to create a more lighthearted and humorous tone. For example, consider the following lines from Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”:

“Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.”

In these lines, the feminine rhyme creates a sense of whimsy and playfulness, which is perfect for the nonsense words and made-up creatures in the poem.

Usage in Songwriting

Feminine rhyme is a literary device that is widely used in songwriting. It adds a musical quality to the lyrics and creates a pleasing sound for the listener. Here are some ways in which feminine rhyme is used in songwriting:

  • Creating a catchy chorus: Many songwriters use feminine rhyme to create a catchy chorus that is easy to remember. The repetition of the same sound at the end of each line creates a memorable melody that sticks in the listener’s mind. For example, the chorus of the song “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars uses feminine rhyme: “Don’t believe me just watch / Don’t believe me just watch”.
  • Adding emphasis to certain words: Feminine rhyme can be used to add emphasis to certain words in a song. By using a feminine rhyme at the end of a line, the songwriter can draw attention to the word that comes before it. For example, in the song “Someone Like You” by Adele, the line “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you” uses feminine rhyme to emphasize the word “you”.
  • Creating a sense of flow: Feminine rhyme can also be used to create a sense of flow in a song. By using the same sound at the end of each line, the songwriter can create a rhythm that carries the listener through the song. For example, the song “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga uses feminine rhyme to create a sense of flow: “I want your love and I want your revenge / You and me could write a bad romance”.

Overall, feminine rhyme is a powerful tool for songwriters. It can be used to create a catchy chorus, add emphasis to certain words, and create a sense of flow in a song. By using feminine rhyme effectively, songwriters can create songs that are both memorable and enjoyable to listen to.

Feminine Rhyme in Modern Literature

Feminine rhyme, also known as double rhyme, has been used in literature for centuries. It is a type of rhyme that involves two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. This type of rhyme has been used in modern literature as well, adding a certain rhythm and flow to the text.

One example of feminine rhyme in modern literature is in the poem “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot. In the line “A heap of broken images, where the sun beats,” the words “images” and “beats” create a feminine rhyme. This adds a certain musicality to the poem, emphasizing the brokenness of the images.

Another example of feminine rhyme in modern literature is in the song “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. In the line “Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders,” the words “shoulders” and “boulders” create a feminine rhyme. This adds a certain catchiness to the song, making it memorable and enjoyable to listen to.

Feminine rhyme can also be found in modern poetry. In the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot, the line “In the room the women come and go / Talking of Michelangelo” contains a feminine rhyme between the words “go” and “Michelangelo.” This adds a certain musicality to the poem, emphasizing the mundanity of the women’s conversation.

Overall, feminine rhyme has been used in modern literature to add a certain rhythm and flow to the text. It can be found in poetry, song lyrics, and other forms of writing. When used effectively, it can add a certain musicality to the text, making it more enjoyable to read or listen to.

Comparison with Masculine Rhyme

When it comes to rhyming in poetry, there are two main types of rhymes: masculine and feminine. Masculine rhyme occurs when a single stressed syllable at the end of a word rhymes with another word’s single stressed syllable. In contrast, feminine rhyme occurs when two or more syllables, with the last syllable being unstressed, rhyme with another word’s similar syllables.

Masculine rhyme is often used in poetry to create a sense of stability and finality. It is a more straightforward type of rhyme that is easier to identify. Masculine rhymes often have a more assertive and commanding tone, which can be useful in certain types of poetry.

On the other hand, feminine rhyme is considered more playful and whimsical. It is a more complex type of rhyme that requires a bit more effort to identify. Feminine rhymes often have a more lyrical and musical quality, which can add to the overall flow of a poem.

While masculine rhymes are typically used in more serious or traditional types of poetry, feminine rhymes are more commonly used in lighthearted or humorous poems. However, both types of rhymes can be used effectively in any type of poetry, depending on the poet’s intentions.

Here is a table summarizing the main differences between masculine and feminine rhyme:

Masculine Rhyme Feminine Rhyme
Single stressed syllable at the end of a word rhymes with another word’s single stressed syllable Two or more syllables, with the last syllable being unstressed, rhyme with another word’s similar syllables
Creates a sense of stability and finality Considered more playful and whimsical
Easier to identify Requires a bit more effort to identify
More assertive and commanding tone More lyrical and musical quality
Used in serious or traditional types of poetry Used in lighthearted or humorous poems

In conclusion, while masculine and feminine rhymes have their differences, both can be used effectively in poetry to achieve different effects and create different moods. Understanding the differences between these two types of rhymes can help poets make more informed choices when crafting their work.

Influence on Literary Devices

Feminine rhyme is a crucial literary device that has influenced many other literary devices. It is an essential tool that poets use to create musicality and rhythm in their works. The following are ways in which feminine rhyme has influenced other literary devices:

Rhyme Scheme

Rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line of a poem. Feminine rhyme has influenced rhyme scheme by introducing the concept of double rhymes. Double rhymes are rhymes that consist of two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. Feminine rhyme is a type of double rhyme, and it has encouraged poets to experiment with different rhyme schemes.

Meter

Meter refers to the rhythm of a poem, and it is achieved through the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. Feminine rhyme has influenced meter by providing poets with a way to create a regular rhythm in their works. The use of feminine rhyme helps to create a musicality that is pleasing to the ear and adds to the overall effect of a poem.

Sound Devices

Sound devices are techniques that poets use to create musicality in their works. Feminine rhyme has influenced sound devices by introducing the concept of double rhymes. Double rhymes are useful in creating a musical effect in a poem, and they are often used in conjunction with other sound devices such as alliteration and assonance.

Imagery

Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language to create mental images in the minds of readers. Feminine rhyme has influenced imagery by providing poets with a tool to create a musical effect in their works. The use of feminine rhyme can create a sense of harmony and balance that enhances the overall imagery of a poem.

In conclusion, feminine rhyme has had a significant influence on various literary devices. It has helped poets to create musicality and rhythm in their works, and it has encouraged experimentation with different rhyme schemes. The use of feminine rhyme has also enhanced the overall effect of sound devices and imagery in poetry.

There are six types of rhyme in literature:

\n

    \n
  1. End Rhyme: This is when the rhyming words are at the end of the lines.
  2. \n

  3. Internal Rhyme: This is when the rhyming words are within the same line.
  4. \n

  5. Masculine Rhyme: This is when the rhyming words end with a stressed syllable.
  6. \n

  7. Feminine Rhyme: This is when the rhyming words end with two unstressed syllables.
  8. \n

  9. Triple Rhyme: This is when three syllables rhyme.
  10. \n

  11. Eye Rhyme: This is when the words look like they rhyme but do not sound the same.
  12. \n

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of masculine and feminine rhyme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

An example of a masculine rhyme is \"cat\" and \"hat.\" An example of a feminine rhyme is \"turtle\" and \"purple.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of double rhyme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Double rhyme is another term for feminine rhyme. Examples of double rhyme include \"bottle\" and \"fiddle,\" or \"merry\" and \"cherry.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is slant rhyme and how is it used?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Slant rhyme, also known as half rhyme or near rhyme, is when the words have similar but not identical sounds. Slant rhyme is used to create a subtle, unexpected effect in poetry. An example of slant rhyme is \"love\" and \"move.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is an example of a triple rhyme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

An example of a triple rhyme is \"spiteful,\" \"delightful,\" and \"insightful.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is an example of eye rhyme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

An example of eye rhyme is \"love\" and \"prove.\" Although the words look like they should rhyme, they are pronounced differently.

"}}]}

ESLBUZZ