Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What literary device involves the repetition of consonants in quick succession, primarily used in poetry?

1. Alliteration

2. Assonance

3. Consonance

4. Onomatopoeia

The correct answer is: Consonance

The correct answer is consonance, which specifically refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity within a phrase or sentence. This literary device is often used to create rhythm, enhance the musical quality of a poem, or unify themes within the text. In poetry, consonance can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of words, making it a versatile tool for poets to evoke emotions or emphasize certain ideas. While alliteration is also the repetition of consonant sounds, it is limited to initial sounds at the beginning of words, making it distinct from consonance. Assonance involves the repetition of vowel sounds, focusing on the internal sounds rather than consonants. Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate natural sounds, which serves a different illustrative function in writing. Thus, consonance accurately describes the defined repetition of consonants and aligns with the prompt's focus on quick succession, primarily in poetry.