Homophone

Definition of Homophone
A homophone can be defined as a phrase that, while pronounced, seems much like another phrase, however has a specific spelling and that means. For example, the words “bear” and “bare” are similar in pronunciation, but are unique in spelling in addition to in meaning. Sometimes the phrases may additionally have the identical spelling, such as “rose,” the past stressful of rise, and “rose,” the flower. Mostly, however, they're spelled differently, such as:

carrot
caret
carat
In literature, homophones are used substantially in poetry and prose to make rhythmic effects, and to place emphasis on something. They also are used to create a multiplicity of meanings in a written piece.

Types of Homophone
There are 5 exceptional varieties of homophone:

Homograph – Some homophones are similar in spelling, but special in meanings. They are known as homographs. For instance, “hail” which means an ice storm, and “hail” that means some thing that happens in big numbers, such as “a hail of bullets.”
Homonym – Some words have the identical pronunciation but different meanings. These are known as homonyms. For instance, “cite,” “sight,” and “site.”
Heterograph – Homophones that have specific spellings however are pronounced inside the same way are referred to as heterographs. For instance, “write” and “right.”
Oronym – Homophones that have more than one phrases or phrases, having comparable sounds, are called oronyms. For instance, “ice cream” and “I scream.”
Pseudo-homophone – Homophones that are equal phonetically are called pseudo-homophones. In this form of homophone, one of the pair of phrases is not a actual word, such as “groan” and “grone.”
Examples of Homophone in Literature
Example #1: Where Truth’s Wind Blew (By Venicebard)
“Sole owner am I of this sorry soul …
pour out corruption’s slag from each pore —
complete slates scrape clean! They leave no gaping hole.
Role that I’ve played, unfastened grip! even as back I roll,
or dodge every wave, or with company grip on oar
bore through this sea, snout down, just like the boar …”

This poem is full of examples of homophone, which are marked in bold. They create a humorous effect within the poem thru their equal pronunciations but altogether specific meanings.

Example #2: A Hymn to God the Father (By John Donne)
“When Thou hast executed,
Thou hast now not carried out for I actually have extra.
That at my demise Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore
And having finished that, Thou hast performed;
I fear no more.”

John Done has used the call of his wife Anne and his very own name Donne as homophones. In addition, he uses the phrase “son” as an alternative of “sun,” to consult Christ. They are also homophones.

Example #3: The Importance of Being Earnest (By Oscar Wilde)
“On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realized for the primary time in my existence the essential Importance of Being Earnest …”

“I constantly instructed you, Gwendolen, my call became Ernest, didn’t I? Well, it is Ernest after all. I imply it naturally is Ernest. “

In those excerpts, Oscar Wilde used the phrase earnest as a homophone. Here, Jack Earnest is talking to his Aunt Augusta and mocks his family. Jack finds out that his father’s name makes him clearly earnest.

Example #4: Romeo and Juliet (By William Shakespeare)
MERCUTIO:
“Nay, gentle Romeo, we ought to have you dance.”

ROMEO:
“Not I, agree with me. You have dancing shoes. With nimble soles; I have a soul of lead. So stakes me to the floor I can not move …”

Some of Shakespeare’s well-known literary pieces are wealthy with homophone examples. One of that's the above excerpt wherein he uses the words “sole” and “soul” as homophones. Romeo talks approximately soles of his shoes, and the soul of his heart, that is heavy with sorrow.

Example #5: Richard III (By William Shakespeare)
“Now is the winter of our discontent … made glorious summer with the aid of this Son of York.”

Here, Shakespeare makes use of words similar in pronunciation, “sun” and “son,” which might be homophones. The Duke of York has a son named Edward, who is also taken as a solar whose rising energy could create trouble for Richard.

Function of Homophone
The reason of homophones in literature is to create humorous effect by means of the usage of words that have or more meanings. In normal lifestyles, these words are employed intentionally in witty remarks. In addition, these give meaning to a literary piece of work, and writers monitor the ingenuity in their characters thru the usage of homophones.

Homograph Hook