Here's what sibilance does in poetry:
* Creates a musical effect: The repetition of these sounds creates a kind of sonic texture, often described as hissing, whispering, or slithering. This can be used to create a sense of quiet, mystery, or tension.
* Draws attention to certain words: The repetition of the "s" sound can highlight key words or phrases, making them stand out from the rest of the poem.
* Evokes imagery: Sibilance can be used to create vivid imagery. For example, "s" sounds can evoke images of snakes, wind, or whispering voices.
Here are some examples of sibilance in poetry:
* "The silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" - from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
* The repeated "s" sounds create a sense of mystery and intrigue, and also evoke the image of the rustling curtains.
* "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" - from "Ode to Autumn" by John Keats
* The "s" sounds create a sense of quiet and peacefulness, and also evoke the imagery of the autumn season.
* "The sly, slow slink of a snake in the grass" - from a poem by Sylvia Plath
* The repeated "s" sounds create a sense of danger and mystery, and also evoke the image of a snake moving through the grass.
By understanding the effects of sibilance, poets can use it to create powerful and evocative language in their work.