Which literary device is characterized by the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words?

The correct answer, which refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, is alliteration. This literary device is predominantly used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, enhance mood, and reinforce meaning through sound. By repeating the initial consonant sounds of words, alliteration can make phrases more memorable and engaging to the reader.

It's commonly found in tongue twisters, brand names, and literary works where a playful or musical quality is desired. For example, phrases like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" make use of alliteration to create a catchy rhythm.

The other options focus on different sound-related literary devices. Onomatopoeia involves words that phonetically imitate the sounds they describe, like "buzz" or "sizzle." Assonance is about the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, such as in the phrase "the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain." Consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds, but typically occurs at the end of words or within them, making it distinct from alliteration.