Repetition of sounds in a poem can emphasize key words and images and so create poetic structure. In addition, sounds can provide pleasure. Jonson uses alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, in line 6 in the words “drink” and “divine” to emphasize the value the speaker places on his mistress's kiss. He repeats this technique in line 9 with the words “rosy” and “wreath,” which highlights her connection with nature. Jonson makes a clever connection between the speaker and his mistress through examples of consonance, the repetition of final consonant sounds, as well as word placement. He ends lines 2, 4, 6, and 8 with the words “mine,” “wine,” “divine,” and “thine,” respectively, suggesting that the union of the two would be more divine than wine. The placement of these rhyming words at.....
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