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Chain rhyme

Rhyme
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A rhyme scheme where the last word of one stanza rhymes with the first word (or words) of the next, creating interlocking continuity.

Detailed Definition
Chain rhyme is a linking technique where the end word of one line becomes the beginning or internal rhyme of the next (e.g., ABA BCB CDC), creating a continuous, interwoven sonic fabric; it appears in terza rima and villanelles to sustain momentum and cohesion.
Example
Example in poetry:
Chain rhyme links stanzas by repeating the last word of one stanza as the first of the next, as in Terza rima: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep.” (Note: This is a simplified illustration; true chain rhyme appears in forms like the Rubaiyat: “...the Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, / Moves on...”)
Additional Notes
Rhyme scheme where rhyme from one stanza links to next stanza's opening, creating chain effect. Terza rima exemplifies (ABA BCB CDC). Creates forward momentum and formal unity across stanzas.
Also Known As
Interlocking rhyme linked sound concatenated rhyme progressive rhyme Ababa rhyme chain-rhyme stanza linked rhyme linking rhyme Ladder rhyme Chain Link
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