Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creating a musical effect. It's often used to emphasize certain words or emotions.
Here are some examples of assonance in Owen's poem:
* "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?" The repetition of the short "a" sound in "passing," "cattle," and "die" creates a sense of futility and the dehumanizing nature of war.
* "Only the monstrous anger of the guns." The repetition of the long "u" sound in "monstrous," "anger," and "guns" emphasizes the overwhelming force and violence of war.
* "Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle" The repetition of the short "i" sound in "stuttering," "rifles," "rapid," and "rattle" conveys the chaotic and relentless nature of machine-gun fire.
* "Their eyes, that had the look of the doomed, blind; " The repetition of the long "o" sound in "doomed" and "look" further emphasizes the despair and hopelessness of the soldiers' situation.
Overall Effect
Owen strategically employs assonance to create a haunting and somber atmosphere. The repetition of vowel sounds mimics the rhythmic barrage of gunfire and creates a sense of loss, futility, and the dehumanizing effects of war. These sounds linger in the reader's mind long after the poem ends, leaving a lasting impact.