Assonance

 Definition: Assonance is the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in neighboring words, particularly in stressed syllables, without repeating consonant sounds.

Examples:

1.     "Hear the mellow wedding bells" – Edgar Allan Poe
(Repetition of the "e" sound in hear, mellow, wedding, bells)

2.     "I lie down by the side of my bride."
(Repetition of the long "i" sound in lie, side, bride)

3.     "The early bird catches the worm."
(Repetition of the "e" sound in early, bird)

4.     "Go and mow the lawn."
(Repetition of the "o" sound in go, mow)

Effect of Assonance:

·        Creates musicality and rhythm in writing.

·        Emphasizes particular words or themes.

·        Enhances the mood or tone (e.g., light, somber, eerie).

·        Helps in memorability of lines (often used in slogans or songs).

Difference Between Assonance, Alliteration, and Consonance:

Device	Repeats what?	Example
Assonance	Vowel sounds	"The rain in Spain falls mainly..."
Alliteration	Initial consonant sounds	"Peter Piper picked a peck..."
Consonance	Repeated consonant sounds (anywhere)	"The lumpy, bumpy road"