Writers of speeches, novels, and poems all use sound devices to add to the imagery of their writing. It brings the reader into their writing and allows the reader to hear the sounds evoked through the author's language.
Alliteration
Alliteration is a popular literary device in poetry and in stories. For many writers, it easy to repeat the first consonant sound in a string of words (at least 2). An author uses alliteration in order to make a sound stand out. Often times, the author will want the reader to hear the alliteration as the sound for the action. For example: His sword slid silently through his opponents. The author would want the reader to hear the "ssss" as an imitation of the only sound you would hear the sword make.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia, long to spell and fun to write, is often times used by writers unconsciously. Onomatopoeia is when a word sounds like its definition. Comic books are filled with onomatopoeia and the action/sound words: Boom! Pow! Pop! Authors and poets use these types of words to add to their auditory imagery, for example: "The doorbell rang;" "the suitcase landed with a thud;" or "the beep of the alarm clock." Onomatopoeia is frequent in both prose (novels/stories) and verse (poems). Even beginning writers use this literary device without even thinking twice. "He knocked on the door."
Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound within multiple words. For example: The cat batted the toy rat across the floor." The poet would want to have the reader pick up on the short-A sound because it emphasizes the action and the subjects. It can also create more vivid imagery. For example, "The vehicle speeded without reason." The "eee" sound should stand out to the reader/listener and it almost recreates the sound of the engine of a speeding car. Because assonance is difficult for a reader to pick up on in a lengthy piece of writing, assonance is most commonly used in poetry.
Consonance
Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound within multiple words. Consonance can be used to add to the mood of the writing. For instance: "The river murmured." The writer would want the reader to hear the lulling "er" sound of those three syllabus to help create a relaxing mood for their poem. Consonance also assists with the auditory imagery. For example: The lumpy, bumpy road." In this example, the reader can hear the sound of a car's tires as they go over a bumpy road.
The use of these literary devices in a piece of writing tremendously assists the auditory imagery generated for the reader. Poets tend use these examples of figurative language because poetry is meant to be heard (not read), and the audience can hear these devices as they are being used.
For other definitions and examples visit Literary Terms or Comparisons in Literature
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