Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creating a musical effect. It's often used to create a sense of unity or to emphasize certain words.
Here are a few examples of assonance from the speech:
* "And one man in his time plays many parts," (Repetition of the short "a" sound in "man," "parts")
* "His eyes are open, though his mind is closed" (Repetition of the long "i" sound in "eyes," "are," "open," "mind," "is," "closed")
* "His youth was spent in riot and in rage, and in the wanton waste of youthful days," (Repetition of the short "a" sound in "was," "spent," "rage," "and," "waste," "days," and the long "a" sound in "youth," "rage," "wanton," "waste")
* "Then comes the stalking schoolboy," (Repetition of the "oo" sound in "school," "boy" along with the "s" alliteration)
Notice how the assonance is often used in conjunction with other poetic devices like alliteration and consonance.
Shakespeare masterfully uses assonance to:
* Create a sense of rhythm and flow: The repetition of vowel sounds makes the lines more pleasing to the ear.
* Emphasize certain words or ideas: The repetition draws attention to these specific words and phrases.
* Enhance the overall meaning and impact: The musicality of the language helps convey the deeper message about the stages of life.
Remember, assonance is just one of many literary devices Shakespeare uses to create a powerful and memorable speech. By paying attention to these details, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of his work.