What is consonance in poetry?

Consonance in poetry refers to the recurrence of similar consonant sounds, especially at the end or in the middle of words. This literary device enhances the musical quality of a poem and can create a rhythm or mood that complements the theme of the writing. For example, phrases that repeat consonant sounds can create a sense of harmony and can emphasize particular emotions or images within the poem.

While other aspects of poetry, such as vowel sounds or rhyme, are important, they do not define consonance. Vowel sounds relate to assonance, and the structure of a poem is a broader concept that encompasses various elements, including meter and form, rather than focusing specifically on sound patterns.