"She was his refuge and his strength. He leaned on her for everything. She was his life and his soul."
The repetition of the "i" sound in words like "his," "refuge," "strength," and "life" creates a sense of unity and harmony between Paul and his mother. It is as if they are two halves of a whole, and their connection is strong and unbreakable.
Lawrence's use of assonance also creates a sense of the rhythm or music of the language. The passage reads almost like a song, with a natural, flowing rhythm that draws the reader in and makes the passage even more memorable.
In addition to creating mood and rhythm, Lawrence's use of assonance can also be used to emphasize certain words or phrases. In the passage above, for example, the repetition of the "i" sound draws attention to the words "life" and "soul," suggesting that these are the most important aspects of Paul Morel's relationship with his mother.
Lawrence's use of assonance is a powerful tool that he uses to great effect in his writing. It helps to create a sense of mood, rhythm, and emphasis, and it can make his passages more memorable and impactful.