Alliteration vs. Assonance – Which is Correct?
Alliteration and assonance are two literary devices often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm and enhance the auditory experience of the text. While they may seem similar, they highlight different sound qualities and serve distinct purposes in writing.
Alliteration vs Assonance – Which is Correct?
Both alliteration and assonance are correct terms used in literary contexts, each pertaining to specific sound patterns. Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in close succession, while assonance involves the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. Writers utilize these devices to enrich their work, evoke emotions, and draw attention to particular phrases.
| Term | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alliteration | Use to create rhythm, mood, or emphasis through repeated consonant sounds. | “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.” |
| Assonance | Use to create a sense of harmony or musicality through repeated vowel sounds. | “Hear the lark and harken to the barking of the dark fox gone to ground.” |
How to Use Alliteration
Alliteration is used by placing words that begin with the same consonant sounds close to each other in a phrase or sentence. This technique is especially effective in poetry and prose to create a musical quality or draw attention to a specific idea.
Example 1: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Example 2: “The wild winds whipped the waves.”
Example 3: “Fred’s friends flew far away.”
What are the different forms of Alliteration?
Alliteration does not change forms like verbs or nouns do. Instead, it is identified by the repeated sound regardless of whether the words are in singular or plural form. The key is the consonant sounds at the beginning of the words.
Etymology of the word Alliteration
The term “alliteration” is derived from the Latin word “alliteratio,” which means “the repetition of the same letter.” It is formed from “ad” (to) and “litera” (letter), reflecting its focus on sound and letters.
How to Use Assonance
Assonance is employed by repeating the same vowel sounds in nearby words, typically without regard to the consonants that accompany them. This technique provides rhythm and can enhance emotions and imagery within the writing.
Example 1: “The cat sat back.” (repeated ‘a’ sound)
Example 2: “Sally sells apples and oranges.” (repeated ‘a’ sound)
Example 3: “It beats . . . as it sweeps . . . as it cleans!” (repeated ‘e’ sound)
What are the different forms of Assonance?
Similar to alliteration, assonance remains consistent regardless of grammatical forms. It focuses on the quality of vowel sounds, and therefore can occur in any position of words as long as the vowel sounds are repeated.
Etymology of the word Assonance
The word “assonance” originates from the Latin “assonare,” meaning “to sound together.” The root “son” relates to sound, highlighting its auditory aspect in literature.
Practice Exercises
- Fill in the blank: “Go and ____ the motion.” (alliteration)
- Fill in the blank: “He felt the ____ wave of nostalgia.” (assonance)
- Fill in the blank: “Windy ____ whipped across the beach.” (alliteration)
- Fill in the blank: “The ____ eye sees only what it wants.” (assonance)
- Fill in the blank: “Whispering ____ wind in the trees.” (alliteration)
Answer Key
- move
- deep
- winds
- blind
- whispering
Alliteration Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Consonance | The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity. |
| Repetition | The action of repeating something for emphasis or rhythm. |
Assonance Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Vowel Harmony | A correspondence of vowel sounds in nearby words. |
| Repetition | The action of repeating sounds for effect. |
Conclusion
In summary, alliteration and assonance are both valuable literary devices that enrich language through sound. While alliteration focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds, assonance emphasizes vowel sounds, creating musicality and emotional resonance in writing.
