MASCULINE RHYME Meaning and
Definition
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Masculine rhyme is a type of rhyme that occurs when the final syllable of a word rhymes with the final syllable of another word. Specifically, it refers to the rhyme between stressed syllables in which the final consonants before the stressed syllables are different, while the following syllables remain the same. This type of rhyme is commonly found in traditional English poetry, including ballads and sonnets.
In male rhymes, the final syllables are usually one-syllable words, and both words have a stressed final syllable. This form of rhyme often creates a sense of solidity and finality in a poem. It is referred to as "masculine rhyme" because the final syllable tends to be associated with strength and assertiveness, traditionally associated with masculinity.
For example, in the couplet from William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18: "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee," the rhyme between "see" and "thee" is a masculine rhyme, as the stressed syllables end in different consonant sounds.
Masculine rhyme is an essential element in the structure of traditional poetry, aiding in the establishment of rhythm and rhyme scheme. By employing masculine rhyme, poets can enhance the musicality and overall aesthetic appeal of their verses, as well as create a sense of unity, coherence, and balance within a poem.
Etymology of MASCULINE RHYME
The word "masculine" in "masculine rhyme" can be traced back to the Latin word "masculus", meaning "male" or "masculine". The term "masculine rhyme" originated in English poetry and refers to rhyming words that end with a stressed syllable. This term was coined to contrast with "feminine rhyme", which refers to rhyming words that end with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The use of "masculine" and "feminine" as terms to describe rhyme types is based on the belief that the stressed syllable in a rhyme ending provides a "strong" or "masculine" sound, whereas the unstressed syllable adds a "weak" or "feminine" sound.
