Study Notes
Assonance is a figure of speech where similar vowel sounds are repeated in nearby words, often used to create rhythm or mood in writing.
- Assonance — repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words. Example: "The sleepy trees weep leaves of green."
- Example from Literature — identifying assonance in poems or songs. Example: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary."
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Assonance: repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words
Common Confusions
- Confusing assonance with alliteration, which involves consonant sounds
- Mistaking assonance for rhyme, which involves matching end sounds
Typical Exam Questions
- What is assonance? Assonance is the repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words.
- Identify an example of assonance in this sentence: "The cold snowflakes gently cascade." "Cold snowflakes" is an example of assonance.
- How does assonance affect the mood of a poem? Assonance can create a musical quality, enhancing the mood or emotion.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to identify assonance in sentences or poems
- Understanding the effect of assonance on the tone or mood of a piece