What technique involves the repetition of the consonant 's' or 'z' to create a hissing sound?

Sibilance is the technique that specifically involves the repetition of the consonant sounds 's' or 'z', which creates a distinctive hissing or whispering sound in the text. This auditory effect is often used to enhance the atmosphere or mood of a piece, drawing the reader's attention to specific phrases or enhancing the overall rhythm of the work. The sound produced by sibilance can evoke certain feelings or imagery, making it a powerful tool in poetry and prose.

Other techniques mentioned, such as assonance, refer to the repetition of vowel sounds, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds regardless of their position in words, and alliteration is focused on the repetition of initial consonant sounds. While these techniques also contribute to the musicality and sound patterns in language, they do not specifically relate to the hissing sound associated with the 's' or 'z' consonants, which is why sibilance is the correct answer.