What is the definition of assonance?

Assonance is a literary device where the repetition of vowel sounds occurs in words that are close to each other within a line or phrase. This creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in writing, often emphasizing specific words or ideas.

Here's a breakdown:

* Repetition of Vowel Sounds: The key is the repetition of the vowel sound, not necessarily the exact spelling of the vowel.

* Proximity: The words with the repeated vowel sounds must be close enough to each other to be noticeable, typically within the same line or phrase.

* Effect: Assonance can create a range of effects, including:

* Emphasis: Highlighting particular words or phrases.

* Rhythm: Creating a sense of flow and musicality.

* Mood: Evoking specific emotions or atmospheres.

Example:

* "The cat sat on the mat." - This simple sentence has assonance with the repetition of the short "a" sound in "sat," "on," and "mat."

Other Examples:

* "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain." (Repetition of the "ai" sound)

* "The lonely crow flew high above the low-lying fog." (Repetition of the "o" sound)

* "Hear the mellow wedding bells." (Repetition of the "e" sound)

Remember: Assonance differs from consonance, which involves the repetition of consonant sounds.