Understanding the AABBA Pattern- A Comprehensive Guide to This Common Design Structure

What is an AAB Pattern?

The AAB pattern, also known as the AAB rhyme scheme, is a common poetic structure that has been used by poets for centuries. It is characterized by a repetition of the same three-syllable sound at the end of each line, creating a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem. The pattern itself consists of three parts: A, A, and B, where the first two lines rhyme and the third line introduces a new sound.

In the AAB pattern, the “A” represents the rhyming sound that is repeated in the first and second lines. This can be any three-syllable sound, such as “cat,” “dog,” or “bird.” The “B” represents the new sound introduced in the third line, which does not rhyme with the “A” sound. This new sound can also be any three-syllable sound, and it often serves to provide a contrast or a twist to the poem’s rhythm.

One of the most famous examples of the AAB pattern is found in the poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer. The poem follows the story of a baseball player named Casey who is attempting to hit a home run. The AAB pattern is used throughout the poem to create a rhythmic and engaging narrative.

Another example of the AAB pattern can be found in the nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock,” which goes:

Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.

In this rhyme, the “A” sound is represented by “Hickory” and “dock,” while the “B” sound is represented by “The mouse ran up the clock” and “The clock struck one.”

The AAB pattern is not limited to poetry; it can also be found in music, where it is often used to create a catchy and memorable melody. For example, the chorus of the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley follows the AAB pattern:

I and I and I and I,
I and I and I and I,
I and I and I and I,
I and I and I and I.

The AAB pattern is a versatile and powerful tool for poets and musicians alike, allowing them to create a sense of rhythm and repetition that can enhance the overall impact of their work. Whether in poetry or music, the AAB pattern continues to be a beloved and enduring element of creative expression.