What is Alliteration?
Repeated use of the same sound in the beginning of adjacent words.
All About Alliteration: Repeating Sounds for Emphasis and Melody
Alliteration is a sound device that is commonly used in creative writing. It involves repeating the same sound at the beginning of adjacent words, which can create a special effect of emphasis, rhythm and melody in a sentence or piece of prose.
For example:
She sells seashells by the seashore.
The repetition of the 's' sound in this famous tongue twister not only makes it difficult to say clearly, but also creates a sense of flow and musicality.
Alliteration is often used in poetry to create a sense of unity and coherence, as well as to reinforce the theme or tone of a poem. But it can be effective in any form of creative writing, from fiction and non-fiction to advertising and branding.
It is important not to overuse alliteration, or it can become distracting or gimmicky. However, when used skillfully, it can add depth, meaning and beauty to your writing, so don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
The opening lines of 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe are a classic example of alliteration:
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
In this line, the repetition of the 'w' sound creates a sense of foreboding and melancholy, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
Here is an example from the epic poem Beowulf, as translated by Seamus Heaney:
…he who had harrowed the hearts of men with pain/And had gone through many bitter nights of sorrow/Endured the troubles he’d come through
In this passage, the repetition of the 'h' sound helps to convey the harshness and severity of the hero's struggles.