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Understanding Poetry: Consonance, Assonance, and Alliteration

These three poetic devices implore the sound of words. As words are the only medium for poets to use, the effects of sound in wordplay can come across as stressed, unstressed, soothing, harsh, light, upbeat, or heavy.

Consonance
is the repetition of consonant sounds at the end of words that are placed near each other
Example: creamin(g) sin(g)e of win(g)s hitting the hot windowpane

Assonance
is the repetition of vowel sounds in words that are placed near each other
Example: (a)ttempted to (a)scend in the full (a)lignment of clouds near Heaven

Alliteration
is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are placed near each other
Example: (f)eebly (f)reestanding his next verse in mind

Poetry Prompt
Use any (or all) poetic device(s) in your next piece. While alliteration is the most obvious of all three, try to expand on wordplay and meter while respecting the subject matter in the use of harsh/soothing words. Do not attempt flowery language, but be natural with words in consonance, assonance, and alliteration.

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