1. Creating Atmosphere and Sensory Imagery:
* Whispering, hushed tones: Sibilance can evoke a sense of secrecy, mystery, or quietude. Think of the hushed "s" sounds in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven": "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary..."
* Sharpness, intensity: It can also create a sharp, almost hissing quality, conveying tension, anger, or even aggression. Consider the line from Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130": "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun."
* Natural sounds: Sibilance can mimic natural sounds like wind rustling through leaves, waves crashing on the shore, or a snake slithering through the grass, immersing the reader in the scene.
2. Emphasizing Key Words or Phrases:
* Drawing attention: By placing "s" sounds around significant words, poets can highlight them, making them stand out and linger in the reader's mind. This can emphasize a particular theme, emotion, or image.
* Creating a sense of rhythm: The repetition of "s" sounds can create a rhythmic effect, adding a musicality and flow to the poem. This can make the poem more memorable and enjoyable to read.
3. Enhancing Meaning and Symbolism:
* Alliteration and assonance: Sibilance often works in tandem with other sound devices, such as alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds). This creates a rich tapestry of sounds, adding depth and complexity to the poem.
* Symbolic connections: Certain words with "s" sounds may carry symbolic weight, which the poet can exploit for deeper meaning. For instance, "snake" and "serpent" are often associated with danger and temptation.
4. Playing with Sound and Meaning:
* Juxtaposition: Poets can use sibilance to create contrast or tension by juxtaposing soft "s" sounds with harsh consonants or vowels. This can add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the poem.
* Irony: Sometimes, sibilance can be used to create a sense of irony or sarcasm, where the sound contradicts the meaning of the words. This can be particularly effective in satiric or humorous poems.
Examples:
* "The Wind-hover" by Gerard Manley Hopkins: "I caught this morning morning's minion, king- s dom of s dayflung..." (The repetition of "s" sounds evokes the rapid motion and power of the hawk.)
* "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas: "Good s ight, good s ight, good s ight; s ay no s urender..." (The repeated "s" sounds create a sense of urgency and defiance, emphasizing the speaker's plea.)
Ultimately, sibilance is a powerful tool that poets can use to create a range of effects, from subtle to striking. It's a technique that should be used thoughtfully and strategically to enhance the meaning and impact of the poem.