What term describes the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in poetry?

The term that describes the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds in poetry is assonance. Assonance specifically focuses on the similarity of vowel sounds within the words of a line or passage, which can create rhythm, enhance mood, and contribute to the lyrical quality of the poem. For instance, in the phrase "Hear the mellow wedding bells," the repetition of the "e" sound showcases how assonance can add a musical element to the language. This technique allows poets to create internal rhymes and can deepen the reader's emotional response to the work.

In contrast, rhyme involves the correspondence of sounds at the end of words, rather than the internal vowel sounds, while alliteration pertains to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Onomatopoeia refers to words that phonetically imitate the sounds they describe. Understanding these distinctions helps in appreciating the various tools poets use to enhance their writing.