Definition of Alliteration
Alliteration occurs when the initial sounds of a word, beginning either with a consonant or a vowel, are repeated in close succession.
Examples:
Athena and Apollo
Nate never knows
People who pen poetry
Note that the words only have to be close to one another: Alliteration that repeats and attempts to connect a number of words is little more than a tongue-twister.
The function of alliteration, like rhyme, might be to accentuate the beauty of language in a given context, or to unite words or concepts through a kind of repetition. Alliteration, like rhyme, can follow specific patterns. Sometimes the consonants aren't always the initial ones, but they are generally the stressed syllables. Alliteration is less common than rhyme, but because it is less common, it can call our attention to a word or line in a poem that might not have the same emphasis otherwise.
Alliteration Exercise
“Pretty woman” sounds different from “lovely lady,” although both mean essentially the same thing (“attractive adult female”). A writer might choose “lovely lady” for its triple alliteration and its rhyme; another writer might reject that phrase for the same reason (probably calling it “too flowery”).
INSTRUCTIONS
In the following lines, come up with synonymous phrases for the alliterated phrase (don’t hesitate to use a thesaurus if you need to) and write them in the text boxes below.
Sometimes snakes slithered past.
A majestic mountain was visible in the distance.
He hopped about happily.
The baker busily kneaded the bread.
They stayed up while the moon mounted in the sky.
Describe how the alliterated phrase differs from your less ornamental version. What is gained in each? What is sacrificed? Write your responses in the textbox below.