Which literary device involves the repetition of consonant sounds in successive words with different vowel sounds?

• A. Consonance
• B. Alliteration
• C. Assonance
• D. Onomatopoeia

Answer: (A)

Consonance is the literary device that refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in successive words, where the vowel sounds may differ. This repetition creates a rhythmic quality and can enhance the musicality of a piece of writing, making it more engaging for the reader.

For instance, in a phrase like "the lumpy, bumpy road," the repeated "m" and "b" consonant sounds exemplify consonance, while the vowel sounds vary. This device is particularly effective in poetry and prose where the writer aims to create a specific auditory effect or mood.

In contrast, alliteration focuses on the repetition of the initial consonant sounds of closely placed words, notably beginning with the same letter, like "wild and woolly" or "big blue balloon." Assonance involves the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, such as in "Hear the lark and harken to the barking of the dark fox gone to ground." Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically imitate the sound they describe, like "buzz" or "clang." Understanding the nuances between these devices is crucial for analyzing and appreciating literary works.