Definition: Assonance takes place when two or more words close to one another repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds. The words do share the same vowel sounds but start with different consonant sounds unlike alliteration that involves repetition of the same consonant sound Example #1Try to notice the use of assonance in Robert Frosts poem “Fire and Ice”:
And miles to go before I sleep.” Example #2William Wordsworth employs assonance to create an internal rhyme in his poem “Daffodils”:
Example #3Below are a few brief examples of assonance from different writers:
Function of AssonanceSimilar to any other literary device, assonance also has a very important role to play in both poetry and prose. Writers use it as a tool to enhance a musical effect in the text by using it for creating internal rhyme, which consequently enhances the pleasure of reading a literary piece. In addition, it helps writers to develop a particular mood in the text that corresponds with its subject matter.. |