Aspects of literary style: sounds

Aspects of literary style: sounds

Observing Sound Usage

• Identify and study the sounds and rhythms of the Latin narrative texts. These are essential elements of the writer’s style.
• Explore the use of alliteration, repetition of initial consonant sounds in successive or nearby words. This technique is often used to create a poetic or dramatic effect.
• Be aware of assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, and note how this contributes to the melodic nature of the text.

Exploring Explicative Sounds

• Recognise the use of onomatopoeia, words imitating the sounds they refer to (e.g., “hiss”, “crash”). This technique brings vividness and energy to the narrative.
• Pay attention to the use of sibilance, the repetition of ‘s’ sounds. Sibilance often creates a soothing or sombre atmosphere.
• Note the application of plosive sounds (such as ‘b’, ‘p’, ‘t’, ‘d’, ‘g’, ‘k’). These sounds can be used to create tension within the text.

Analysing Effects of Sounds

• Consider how the poet utilises sounds to portray emotions, setting, atmosphere, or time. This is an important aspect of literary style.
• Examine how sounds are used to underline and enhance meanings within the narrative. This often strengthens the impact of the narrative.
• Reflect on how sound effects can be used to draw attention to significant parts of the text, such as to peripeteia, important monologues or to crises.

Applying Sound Analysis

• Be ready to explain the impact of sounds on the reader, creating vividness, excitement, or tranquillity.
• Use knowledge of sound usage to assist in interpreting characters’ speech and actions through their manner of speaking.
• Practice analysing sounds and their effects in the narrative and use this to inform and strengthen textual analysis, allowing for a more enriched interpretation of the text.