What defines a 'rhyme' in poetry or prose?

A rhyme is defined as the repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines. This characteristic is foundational to poetry and many forms of prose, where the end sounds create a musical quality and contribute to the overall rhythm and structure of the text. Rhyme enhances the aesthetic appeal of the writing, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader.

The use of repeat sounds helps to build connections between ideas and can create anticipation as readers listen for the familiar patterns throughout the work. In addition, rhyme schemes can establish a specific tone or mood, further enriching the reader's experience.

Other choices involve different elements of literary composition: alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds, variation of syllable structures relates to meter and rhythm, and metaphors and similes are figures of speech that draw comparisons. While these elements are significant in their own right, they do not define what constitutes a rhyme, which specifically points to the matching sounds at the conclusion of lines.