Here's how it works:
* Traditional rhyme: Uses words with identical sounds in their stressed syllables (e.g., "cat" and "hat").
* Slant rhyme: Uses words with similar but not identical sounds in their stressed syllables (e.g., "cat" and "cot", "moon" and "town").
Examples of Slant Rhymes:
* "The cat sat on the mat" - This uses a perfect rhyme.
* "The cat sat on the cot" - This uses a slant rhyme, as "mat" and "cot" have similar but not identical sounds.
* "The moon shone bright, in the town tonight" - This uses a slant rhyme, as "moon" and "town" have similar vowel sounds but different consonant sounds.
Why use slant rhymes?
* Creates a more subtle and nuanced effect: Slant rhymes can add a sense of complexity and ambiguity to poetry.
* Adds variety to the rhythm: They can break up the monotony of perfect rhymes and add a bit of unexpectedness.
* Creates a sense of dissonance: The slight mismatch in sounds can create a feeling of tension or unease.
Examples of Slant Rhymes in Literature:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary..." - "dreary" and "weary" are slant rhymes.
* "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost: "Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though;..." - "know" and "though" are slant rhymes.
In conclusion, slant rhymes are a versatile tool that poets use to add depth and complexity to their work. They can be subtle or bold, and they often create a unique and memorable effect.