Definition of Assonance

If alliteration occurs at the beginning of a word and rhyme at the end, assonance takes the middle territory. Assonance occurs when the vowel sound within a word matches the same sound in a nearby word, but the surrounding consonant sounds are different. "Tune" and "June" are rhymes; "tune" and "food" are assonant. The function of assonance is frequently the same as end rhyme or alliteration: All serve to give a sense of continuity or fluidity to the verse. Assonance might be especially effective when rhyme is absent: It gives the poet more flexibility, and it is not typically used as part of a predetermined pattern. Like alliteration, it does not so much determine the structure or form of a poem; rather, it is more ornamental.

Assonance Exercise

INSTRUCTIONS

Create assonance by selecting the appropriate word from the choices given. Remember, assonance occurs when the vowel sound within a word matches the same sound in another word, but the surrounding consonant sounds are different.

Write your responses in your notebook—this will be collated so that you can print or e-mail your work when you are finished.

Question 1.1